Messy Bum

[Michaela]

Hi everyone

It’s only happened twice that we know of – but sometimes Marla doesn’t clean her bum very well and we’re wondering if anyone else has this problem. She’s a little bit overweight but we’re working on that and when she leans down to clean she makes a sort of squeaky noise. I’ve told the vet this and she said to keep an eye on it, but if it’s just during certain activities and not constantly, it’s less likely to be an issue.

We had to clean her up last time (just used some warm water and kitchen towels, very gently) and I think we’ll have to do it again tonight.

Is this just because she’s a little overweight and has trouble getting down there or would you think it’s a bigger problem?

I have to pop into the vet to collect some medicine for some flaky skin she’s got, so I will bring it up then but just wondering if anyone has any advice or has had a similar experience!

Thanks

Michaela + Marla

[Bam]

Oh yes, this is an experience that many rabbit-owners have to deal with.
Some bunnies aren’t good at cleaning their bums. I have one of those. He’s not fat and I doubt he’s arthritic, but both over-weight and athritis may stop a bunny from cleaning her/his butt. The little squeak she makes may mean she feels some pain in her back when she tries to clean herself. It’s most common in elderly bunnies, of course.

The general advice is to feed more hay, since hay is low calory/high fiber. Oftentimes the sticky butt is due to excess cecals, the “poop” the rabbit is supposed to ingest. If to much of that is produced, it may be the result of a too rich diet.

Getting rid of the flaky skin may help too, since fur mites (I suspect fur mites as the reason for the flakiness) obviously are a challenge to the immune-system, and getting that problem sorted will be beneficial for her general health and well-being. And on the off chance that the sticky poop has some sort of parasitic reason, the med for the mites will deal with internal parasites as well. 

[Michaela]

Oh I see, okay! We’ve reduced her nugget intake and she always has plenty of hay, so hopefully that will help her to lose a bit of weight and also not do as many cecals!
The squeak is relatively new, she’s only been doing it for a few months. She lets us pick her up etc so I hope her back is okay, but will defo keep an eye on her.

The flaky skin is due to mites, apparently the most likely cause is just getting them from a bad batch of hay and it’s purely unlucky! Had her for 2 years and never experienced it before but she’s being treated every 2 weeks with ivermectin and seems her usual self. Also, if you have experience with flaky skin caused by mites – do we comb that out for her or will that cause pain? Vet didn’t advise.

Happy to hear about the many benefits of the medicine, thanks!

[Bam]

I combed out my bunny when he had mites. You’ll soon notice if it’s causing her pain. If the skin is irritated/sore you can use an organic bees-wax cream on it or bag balm to soften and protect.

Also clean out her area and wash her stuff, the mites can survive on their own for some time and you obviously don’t want a reinfestation.

[Author]

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