How to get at the pesky anal glands

[Little Flamingo]

Parsnip has some pretty strong bunny BO (I’m talking teenage boy who hasn’t discovered deodorant yet, rather than a poopy smell). I know I probably need to clean his anal glands, but I’ve really been struggling to pick him up and get him into the right position. I watched the Howcast video and thought “ok, simple enough”….nope! The only way he’ll even slightly tolerate being picked up is if I’m holding his back legs very securely against me, but that means I can’t reach between his legs. We’ve tried with my partner holding him too, but he’s a lionhead (Parsnip, not my boyfriend…) so in that secure legs position there’s too much fur in the way to see what I’m doing too.

So, any advice for an unpleasant but necessary experience for a bun who has no intention of coming quietly? We have managed to put him in a burrito on one occasion to clip his claws, but I’d still have the same problem with that of not being able to access his nethers. I’d like to give it one more try this evening, he’s going to the vet tomorrow for his snip and I’m worried they’ll think I’m a bad mother if he shows up smelling like he’s just run a marathon!

[LittlePuffyTail]

If he’s going to the vet tomorrow, absolutely ask them to do it! Save you the hassle (and stench!!!). They may charge a small fee but I would for sure. When my boy goes in for dentals, I ask for her to check them.

I don’t do anal glands at home. It’s very tricky to get a bunny to cooperate. Some people will trance them on their back but this is a very debated issue and, if done improperly, can result in injuries.

[Author]

Messages