I’m upset by Tank’s lack of grooming

[Zombie-Sue]

While trying to bond Tank to Mulder I noticed that Mulder was going at Tank’s butt a lot and annoying him, and there was an OFF smell and he was leaving poop smears, I decided that Tank probably had some stuff stuck to him. So I cut it short, gave Tank a break and then started grooming.

I’m really kind of surprised by his condition, and not in a good way. I’ve been sick and busy and I haven’t groomed him in a while, and he’s quite molty right now. But it certainly hasn’t been THAT long. Usually, he only needs maybe once-a-month-help. But he had lots of stuff stuck to his hind legs, a lot of dried up poos and a few pieces of litter (wood pellet litter) and a little bit right by his butt, and a really big mat that I can’t seem to sort through near his leg. I’m finding this extremely distressing.

See, not too long ago (maybe a couple months ago?) he got so messy I had to take him to the vet–but I’d accidentally left some tape on the box he was playing with, that I saw he’d gotten into, and I assumed that it got stuck to him and that caused the problem. They shaved what needed, scolded me about keeping his cage cleaner, and then I went home.

But now I’m kind of worried. Rabbits are supposed to be clean animals (and he WAS.). He acts normal in every other way, eats, poops, hops around in his cage… Is it possible that he’s gotten lazy in his old age? I’m sure he can reach because I see him reaching just fine all the time…..

[Sarita]

How old is he?

[Zombie-Sue]

My best guess is 7, but that could be way off, you know?

[bunnluff]

How much greens does he have? If it’s a lot I’d reduce that and see if it helps. I have buns with 2 different digestive systems. Pippin is more poopy butt and Bella is more constipated. Recently I had success treating Pippin (almost 8 y.o.) with a reduction of greens and adding Benebac to her diet. I also noticed that if I gave her too many types of sugary treats ie. apple cores or blueberries, she’d get mushier poos. She still gets pretty generous cecals sometimes but has cleared up a lot.

[Sarita]

It is very likely that at his age he could either have some dental issues or mobility issues like arthritis – I would have a vet visit and discuss this with your vet.

[tanlover14]

I agree with Sarita – I would definitely discuss this issue with your vet and things you can do to help him in his older age!

[Zombie-Sue]

ohhhh that makes sense. Poor, poor old man Tank rabbit.

I think I will try adjusting his veggie/pellet ratio too. Thank you guys.

[Author]

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