Swollen Bottom

[meaghanw]

Hi everyone

I’m posting on here as I am in the country so am a bit far from a vet and it’s closes today anyways. One of my girl’s kits has a swollen bum. The baby is pooing and weeing normally and isn’t bothered by it. I’m just not sure what it so swollen. I gently touched it and it’s not hurting him. Anyone know why it’s so swollen? The baby is perfectly healthy apart from this. 

[Roberta]

What part of the world are you in Meaghan ?

[Roberta]

And how old is the bunny ?

[meaghanw]

Sorry the photo isn’t uploading :s I’m in WA like you I can see (: I’m just about an hour away from the vet and it’s not open anyways. The kit is 5 weeks.

[Roberta]

OK. The baby is a little too young to quarantine in case it is myxo. How are the eyes, any swelling or discharge there or around the nose ? Are the any other skin lesions ? The swelling can be caused by a few things which is why getting diagnosed by a vet is so important. Are you near Perth or either side of it. I am in rescue and know of several vets that open Sundays and charge the normal rate for a consult. Is there any urine build up around the area that could cause urine scald?

[Roberta]

I can see the photo. You really need to see a vet. Tomorrow should be fine but I wouldn’t leave it any longer.

[meaghanw]

It’s not myxomatosis. Eyes and nose are absolutely fine. I’m not near Perth sorry. But there is urine around the area so it may be urine scald like you said. Soooo what is urine scald?

[meaghanw]

Yeah I shall bring him in tomorrow then. Thank you for your help!

[Roberta]

Urine scald is caused when a bunny sits in their own urine for too long. Causes can be an excessively dirty cage, leg or spine difficulties, diseases and parasites that can affect mobility. There’s quite a few. Is there any way he could have taken a tumble or had his back or hips harmed ? Is he moving about normally ? Remember bunnies are experts at hiding pain even when very young.

[Roberta]

I don’t know if you are on Facebook but I am a member of WASAR also I am on The Australian Rabbit Network. With the time differences it pays to be on a few like now when most of the Northern Hemisphere peeps are in bed or just waking up.

[meaghanw]

I don’t think he has hurt himself. He is getting around absolutely fine and there are no parasites around. My best guess is that is fur is quite long so that could be a factor. I have washed the urine away and put some anti-bacterial cream on for now so that should hold up until tomorrow until I can take him to the vet (: I might give in another wash a bit later too.

[Roberta]

It’s an intestinal parasite that causes paralysis, you wouldn’t see them. He may have been at the bottom of the cuddle puddle and not able to move out of his pee, it could even be a hay stick which has become infected. The vet will know but as I said you should be ok till tomorrow. Just check the others incl mum and make sure no one else has swelling or irritation round the nose and mouth.

[meaghanw]

The others are fine and there is no swelling or irritation around any noses or mouths. Will just have to wait tomorrow and see. Thank you for your help (:

[Author]

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