My bunny has a poopy Bottom. Why?

[Joscelyn Owens]

I'm so worried about my rabbit. He has had this problem for a long time. I wash him and try to cut it off, but it's such a hassle. He runs,grunts, and tries to bite me. I'm worried I'm hurting him, but idk what else to do. He cant sit and holds his butt up. I thought I got it all off but maybe not. I live at home and nobody will take him to the vet. I really dont want him to die. Just let me know if it's something I should be worried about. He never has eaten his Timothy hay too often, but he also never had this problem before. I heard it could be diet related but I give him everything he should have.

 

[Joscelyn Owens]

He's also 6 years old and a male. I'm not sure if that's important, but just in case.

 

[samoth]

That issue is often from a rabbit not eating its cecals.

What's his diet look like on an average day?

You said "he has had this problem for a long time," then "he also never had this problem before," so I'm having a bit of trouble following whether this is a new issue or one he's had for a while. Can you please clarify?

 

[Joscelyn Owens]

That issue is often from a rabbit not eating its cecals.

What's his diet look like on an average day?

You said "he has had this problem for a long time," then "he also never had this problem before," so I'm having a bit of trouble following whether this is a new issue or one he's had for a while. Can you please clarify?

He has had it for awhile, but not when he was younger. His diet is the same and I see him attempting to clean himself and eating it sometimes

 

[SharonLee]

Hey Joscelyn. You said no one will take him to the vet. What about you? He sounds like he really needs to go as soon as possible. Can't you take him? Can you get a cab and take him to a rabbit vet? Are you in the USA? What city are you in? Some cities have pet ambulances that are used for both emergency non-emergency situations.

 

[Joscelyn Owens]

Hey Joscelyn. You said no one will take him to the vet. What about you? He sounds like he really needs to go as soon as possible. Can't you take him? Can you get a cab and take him to a rabbit vet? Are you in the USA? What city are you in? Some cities have pet ambulances that are used for both emergency non-emergency situations.

The problem is I dont have a job or any money. I'm looking for a job now but I would definitely take him if I could. Everytime I bring it up, my mom says it's not a big deal.

 

[Joscelyn Owens]

Also I live in Michigan. How much is a vet visit?

 

[Joscelyn Owens]

The problem is I dont have a job or any money. I'm looking for a job now but I would definitely take him if I could. Everytime I bring it up, my mom says it's not a big deal.

 

[Joscelyn Owens]

sorry it posted multiple times

 

[SharonLee]

I see. I understand. I'm sorry that you are your rabbit are going through this. Are you over 18? There's something called a Care Credit credit card. They pay the vet and then at a later time you pay them back. Have you heard of that? It works for both humans and animals that are sick. At the dentist, the dentist can call the Care Credit people and the funds are issued to the dentist right on the spot. I wonder if vets can do that. By the way, I think your Mom is wrong and what is happening is a very big deal. I'm glad you can see that too.

If you can't do that, I suggest you go online and find the nearest rabbit rescue and call and email them. They probably won't answer the phone, that has been my experience. Some rescues say it's better to email. So I would do both if I were you. Let them know what is going on so that hopefully they can give you some advice. Your rabbit should be eating lots of hay every day. The fact that he is not says something is indeed wrong...I think.

 

[Joscelyn Owens]

I see. I understand. I'm sorry that you are your rabbit are going through this. Are you over 18? There's something called a Care Credit credit card. They pay the vet and then at a later time you pay them back. Have you heard of that? It works for both humans and animals that are sick. At the dentist, the dentist can call the Care Credit people and the funds are issued to the dentist right on the spot. I wonder if vets can do that. By the way, I think your Mom is wrong and what is happening is a very big deal. I'm glad you can see that too.

If you can't do that, I suggest you go online and find the nearest rabbit rescue and call and email them. They probably won't answer the phone, that has been my experience. Some rescues say it's better to email. So I would do both if I were you. Let them know what is going on so that hopefully they can give you some advice. Your rabbit should be eating lots of hay every day. The fact that he is not says something is indeed wrong...I think.

I'm 20 and he never has eaten his hay and he's been fine. He does like to eat his paper bedding and that's the only thing that's changed. I'll try to see what I can do.

 

[Joscelyn Owens]

I give him pellets but when I first got him, he was on guinea pig food. The previous owner found him starving outside. The vet told them to feed him that to help him gain weight. Now that's all he wants to eat so that's what I give him. He is VERY picky. He also has timothy hay and I give him veggies every couple days.

 

[SharonLee]

Here Jocelyn:

Michigan Rabbit Rescue: information@michiganrabbitrescue.org

 

[SharonLee]

Wonderland Animal Rescue

(313) 383-5615
Contact Page (form is at the bottom of the page, plus the page lists other rescues:

https://www.wonderlandrabbitrescue.com/contact-us.html

Hopefully you can get some good advice.

 

[Preitler]

I give him pellets but when I first got him, he was on guinea pig food. The previous owner found him starving outside. The vet told them to feed him that to help him gain weight. Now that's all he wants to eat so that's what I give him. He is VERY picky. He also has timothy hay and I give him veggies every couple days.

well, mushy poop and excess cecals can come from a too rich diet, pellets (depending on brand and ingrediences), and most what people consider veggies are quite rich. Sure, they like it, but it's like feeding a kid mostly sweets.

Which pellets, and how much do you give - some colourful pet store stuff is just recycled, sweetened cheap waste with cute and rightout lying labels, and others are great for getting a rabbit to butchering weight fast, but there are good ones for pet bunnies too.

Anyway, I would see to it that he starts eating more hay, maybe by reducing pellets and veggies (stuff that was bred for human consumption is quite rich for bunnies) and offering different kinds of hay.
Do you have access to some grass and weeds?

That is a good site about feeding rabbits:
https://www.harcourt-brown.co.uk/articles/free-food-for-rabbits

 

[Joscelyn Owens]

well, mushy poop and excess cecals can come from a too rich diet, pellets (depending on brand and ingrediences), and most what people consider veggies are quite rich. Sure, they like it, but it's like feeding a kid mostly sweets.

Which pellets, and how much do you give - some colourful pet store stuff is just recycled, sweetened cheap waste with cute and rightout lying labels, and others are great for getting a rabbit to butchering weight fast, but there are good ones for pet bunnies too.

Anyway, I would see to it that he starts eating more hay, maybe by reducing pellets and veggies (stuff that was bred for human consumption is quite rich for bunnies) and offering different kinds of hay.
Do you have access to some grass and weeds?

That is a good site about feeding rabbits:
https://www.harcourt-brown.co.uk/articles/free-food-for-rabbits

Ok I'll try and cut back on the pellets. I'm just scared he wont eat if I dont give him enough. I usually fill half of his bowl up or a little more.

 

[Joscelyn Owens]

So I just convinced my grandma to take him to the vet. We have an appointment at 2 tomorrow.

 

[sally p2]

Hi our rabbit had this problem. Cut out wet food for at least a week. Just feed the rabbit hay and pellets, he will eat that if there is nothing else. Rabbits are very clever, they will hold out for treats if they know they will get them.
Also as your rabbit is getting on, he may not be physically able to clean himself. I think if you cut out the fresh veg for a while and make sure the bedding is sawdust, the poopy bum will start to clear up. My rabbits did.
Can you pick your rabbit up? If so just gently comb the rear area to loosen the mess/tangle. Do a little every day.

 

[sally p2]

Please do not feed the rabbit fresh grass, especially at this time of year when it’s wet and full of nitrogen. Honestly just cut out all wet food, feed only nuggets and hay. It will clear up.
Gently comb through the mess/tangle to make sure there is no fly strike. Do a bit of combing every day

 

[samoth]

Also I live in Michigan. How much is a vet visit?

I'm in GR and see Dr. Ritzman (an exotic & rabbit specialist) at Cascade. A physical exam & consult will run $65 over here, so you should probably expect something similar over there.

I agree with Preitler that an overly rich diet (for a rabbit) can lead to your buck not eating his cecals.

How's his weight and body composition? Obesity can lead to problems with reaching & consuming cecals as well.

Really, just seeing a rabbit-savvy vet is the best option