Clumpy Wet Poops, Help: No Bunny Vets in my Country

[Nour]

Hello, I’m really worried about the health of my bunny. Her name is Peanut and she’s around six months old. She was about a month old when I got her. Her poops have always been glossy, large, dark brown and wet. They frequently come out in large clumps and I don’t know what to do/how to treat it. She also has a grumbly tummy from time to time. Unfortunately, and it angers me/breaks my heart to say this but, there are no bunny vets in my country (I’ve exhausted all options) and I’m wondering how I can help her have healthier poops. I read somewhere that the reason behind her wet poops might be because she was weaned off too early as a baby and she didn’t get all the necessary nutrients. That said, are there any medications or vitamins I can give her now to treat this issue? I’d really appreciate some insights/help. She means the world to me and I just want her to be happy and healthy. She’s a wonderful little bun, very sweet and affectionate and also energetic. Once again, I’d be super grateful for your advice! Thanks so much. <3

[Bam]

You can give her probiotics, a type of supplement that adds and helps the growth of good gut microbes. It might be possible for you to order Benebac from abroad, in case your country doesnt sell it in stores or online. Benebac has some of the bacteria that young rabbits might be lacking in if they have been weaned too young. It’s sold in the very many countries all over the world.

The most important thing for a healthy bunny gut is hay. In some countries hay doesnt grow, but there might be fresh grass, or the possibility to grow fresh grass yourself. Rabbits are natural grass-eaters, meaning their digestive system has adapted many thousands of years ago to digesting mainly grass. Grass has a high fiber content, barely any fat and a low protein content. This makes grass the ideal food for rabbits.  Hay is, as you know  dried grass.

Without enough fiber, the bunny gut cant function properly. You might know that buns produce two kunds of poop -the round pellet-like poopies and the glossy clusters of smaller poops that resembes clusters of grapes. The bunny gut needs to assort the food into those two categories of end-products, and if the bun doesnt get enough fiber in the diet, this assortment process can malfunction.

What is your bun’s daily diet?

It is excellent that shes energetic and affectionate. If her fur looks smooth and shiny, thats another big plus.

[Nour]

Hello, thanks so much for taking the time to answer!

So her daily diet consists of hay (Timothy hay, it’s available to her at all times) and twice a day I give her extra hay + veggies (an assortment of dark leafy greens) + pellets (Oxbow brand). Her fur is super soft but not shiny! Like I said, she enjoys cuddling and eating food. She hasn’t lost her appetite which is always a good sign. It’s just her poops + her tummy grumbling that are extremely concerning for me.

Thank you so much for your suggestion! I’ll check out Benebac, hopefully I can find it in a pharmacy or order it online. Would you happen to know how much I should give her, how frequently I should give it to her, and when to stop?

[Bam]

There will be dosage recommendations pn the Benebac package. It comes as a powder or as a gel. Accidental overdosing is unlikely, there isnt really a max dose. Any surplus just get pooped out. You give it for as long as you see fit, then it can be given occasionally as needed.

Its great that you have timothy hay! There are other types of hay too that a bun can eat, its often good to mix or vary between different types of hay.

I have never tried giving shredded wheat to a bun. It has 6% fiber and no added sugar, so I think it can be given as a treat now and then. Its probably a lot healthier than many petstore-type bunny treats.

 

[BZOO]

Just weird thoughts that pop into my head…

Could a rabbit have plain shredded wheat cereal?  It’s high in fiber!

I was just thinking some of our friends here seem to lack access to hay, would this help?

I have fiber on the brain.  One of my dogs recently development anal gland issues, so have been giving her high fiber supplements and have plain shredded wheat for treats.

[DanaNM]

Hmmm, I don’t think shredded wheat would be good for buns lacking access to hay although it’s probably an OK occasional treat. Although it’s high fiber relative to a dog’s carnivore diet, it’s high starch relative to grass (an herbivore’s diet).

In a case where hay is hard to come by, I think a variety of natural forage would probably be the best thing. I’m thinking like a variety of edible and rabbit safe weeds, dried leaves, twigs, tree bark, etc.

One of the leads at the rescue I volunteered at has anecdotally found that feeding alfalfa can help buns who’s gut is out of whack (just a small amount in addition to timothy). I also agree that Benebac might be worth trying!

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

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