Dirty tummy/bum

[Didi]

My 6 year old bunny has suddenly started peeing on my tiles and (i think) because of this, her tummy gets wet. She doesn’t clean it fast enough and when i played with her the other day I noticed that her tummy/bum is very dirty and the hair is starting to mat (shes short haired). 

I gave her a bum bath in the sink (trust me it was needed) but it’s already looking dirty again. Any advice? 

(I will upload a photo later – I am at work and she’s not with me )

[Bam]

If she’s started peeing in places she normally doesn’t, I’d suspect an UTI or possibly other health issue. How is her appetite and poop? Could she have difficulty reaching to clean herself?

You have to give butt baths if a bun gets soaked in pee. The bun should be dried properly after and a barrier cream can be applied to the body parts that get soaked in pee, to protect the skin from urine burns.

[Didi]

Her litter training has gone downhill since I left for a holiday and had a friend staying over. I have assumed that she’s remarking her territory but will take her to the vet in case it is a UTI.

I have seen her cleaning bum and sides, but rarely see her cleaning her tummy (and her bun friend isnt helping her out) – I don’t think shes over weight, could it be something o do with age? Shes just turned 6?

[Bam]

Osteoarthritis can set in early, and 6 years is definitely middle aged in a rabbit.

A rabbit shouldn’t be getting pee on its tum. It could indicate that she pees lying down, and that’s not sth a healthy bunny does regularly.

Is it full pee puddles on the tiles or do you think she pees small amounts frequently? Do you ever see her straining to pee?

If this is just about remarking territory, it should subside. Could you perhaps temporarily lay down pee pads to absorb the pee?

[Didi]

She’s not lying down to pee – could it be poor litter? I am using wood chips, but welcome recommendations.

It’s full (massive) wee puddles and she will look me right in the eye and have a wee – no straining at all.

Pee pads are a great idea! I will get some tonight! Thank you!

[Bam]

Not straining to pee and making full puddles – that’s good and rather rules out a UTI.

I have paper pellets and wood stove pellets in my bun’s litter boxes. Both types of litter absorb pee very well. Wood stove pellets have the added benefit of being cheap. Any wood stove pellets that don’t contain any excellerants or perfume etc are good, they’re kiln dried. Paper pellets is more comfy for a bun that likes to lie down in her litter box, but you can always put hay on top of wood pellets to make them more comfy.

[Author]

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