Cleaning anal glands?

[kamdynandsunshinesmom]

I was reading the new rabbit usa magazine it had in there about grooming your rabbit and said that you should once a month clean out your rabbits scent glands. I only clean out my bunny kamdyns scent glands because he is disabled and can’t do it himself. I didn’t realize that I had to clean them out in a healthy rabbit. So my other bunny sunshine who is completely healthy I attempted to clean out her scent glands. I took her into the bathroom because she doesn’t like the bathroom at all and I figured she would be a good girl and sit for mommy while I clean them. When I went to open them up the smell about killed me there was some nasty stuff in there on both sides. I am glad I cleaned them out and will continue to do this every month. My question is do other people clean the scent glands and if so how often?

[Stickerbunny]

This sites monthly maintenance section includes scent glands in the list of what to check once a month. Some buns need it often, some don’t need it that much.

[Elrohwen]

I’ve been told by numerous vets that it’s not necessary in a normal healthy rabbit, so I don’t do it. Trying to do it would cause a lot of distress to my two and every time they’ve been to the vet there haven’t been any issues in that area.

[kamdynandsunshinesmom]

If there are stuff in the anal glands should I clean them?

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

I check them maybe every three months and I wouldn’t say they need to be cleaned that often. Just depends. If there is stuff you can clean them, and it just depends on what is there and how your rabbit is for you to handle

[BinkyBunny]

I personally do it every few months now that i know the amount of gunk that my bunny produces. For me, I personally recommend it not only because two of my rabbit savvy vets recommend it but because there have been times when I have had to clear out rock hard wax like pieces that could not have been comfortable. (also, in some cases it can clog and cause infection and/or irritation). If you check every month at least for a while you will begin to know how often your bunny may really need them checked and or cleaned.

Obviously there are different points of view on this. But that’s okay — that’s the nature of forums. What works for some, may not work for others. We all have to do what we each feel is best. I can say though, that in all the years of this forum, my personal experience and listening to other’s experiences, I have yet to find a member/person who has had a bunny with infected anal glands (though my vet has had experience with that). However, we have had members note that their bunny was extra pungent and cleaning out the anal glands seemed to help in some cases.)

 I personally take a precautionary route and follow my vets advice regardless. (and obviously this site’s monthly maintenance section recommends that as well). 

[Pandorachik]

I have actually never cleaned mines out because he does it himself.

[Deleted User]

Depends on the rabbit. For myself, I do it approximately every three months.

[BinkyBunny]

Posted By Pandorachik on 02/02/2012 02:18 PM
I have actually never cleaned mines out because he does it himself.

He can actually clean the little anal pockets out by himself???

[Author]

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