Scent Glands

[Pipp]

Also see:
Brushing and Grooming
Odor Control


What It Is

Scent Glands are found in 'pockets' on either side of the rabbits' genitals. The delicate flaps of skin hide a substance that can range from the color and texture of cottage cheese to an almost black tar-like lump. Some rabbits will have a noticeable scent coming from the area although most seem to go unnoticed. A 'smelly' rabbit can have the flaps of skin gently pulled out and the contents very gently and slowly removed with an ear bud (aka a 'q-tip') and some warm water or mineral oil.

Photos

Great pic of dirty scent glands by one of our member's, Jen (Mousechalk)! Thanks Jen!

Also: Photos of different rabbits' scent glands
http://pets.webshots.com/album/214767268dRVHju


Articles

Do It Yourself Rabbit Health Checkup (Includes cleaning scent glands...PDF)
http://www.bestfriends.org/theanimals/pdfs/bunnies/rabbadwordeckup.pdf

General grooming (includes how to clean scent glands)
http://www.fuzzy-rabbit.com/hfaq.htm

Response of Male Domestic Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) to Inguinal Gland Secretion from Intact and Ovariectomized Females
http://www.springerlink.com/content/t1707r32w5g84075/

Scent Glands & the Reproductive System
http://homepage.mac.com/mattocks/morfz/rabrefs.html#repro

Scent Glands & Grooming
http://homepage.mac.com/mattocks/morfz/rabcare.html#nails


RO Threads

Scent glands
http://www.rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=30443&forum_id=16

My girl's making a strange smell (scent glands and gas)
http://www.rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=31857&forum_id=48

Dirty scent glands?
http://www.rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=29605&forum_id=16

A question about scent glands
http://www.rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=28903&forum_id=1

Last edited on 6 Mar 2010 02:43 am by Pipp