New Bunny w/ knotty butt

[skunklionshow]

We just acquired a new bunny, a lop, that looks like a Leo-sized (my passed lionhead) and Chewbacca (passed mini-lip).  We have named him Ewan “Obi-wan-kenobi” McGregor (DH is a Star Wars fan!).  I like Ewan “Poopy butt” McGregor.  He’s so handsome.  DH promises to upload new pics by the weekend.  He was given to a bunny person b/c the person could not care for him & we were the rehome recepients.  He’s about 7 mos old. 

Our Concern:  He looks like he may have been sitting in a dirty cage for a while.  His bottom has completely matted fur.  It’s matted all the way down to his skin and looks like the undercoat.  Some of his honcho area (where legs meet body/ lower bag) was similarly matted, but I was able to get that out w/ trimming & using the bunny comb.  I’ve been using corn starch and my bunny comb to get the lower fur our.  We tried to carefully trim, but the clippers had a hard time getting through it.  I’m wondering what we can do about it.  I’m sure it makes it hard for him to groom, as he is VERY Stinky!  I did clean out his stink glands and trim around the anus, which helped w/ some cling-on poops, but they still seem to be an issue. 

We are planning on neutering once we have the money together (likely end Feb or March).  We thought about waiting to have the vet trim him, but that’s som time off.  Any suggestions on cleaning him up?  Additionally, for Jessica it was LOVE at FIRST SIGHT!  She fell hard for him instantly.  Only downside is he is a HUGE pig and likes to eat all her pellets & veggies.  They are in separate pens next to each other, just grates b/t them.  They get their hip hop time in the evening when we get home from work.  He still needs to learn some litterbox skills.  Else he’s a fantastic addition.  DH wasn’t sure if he would love him like his Chewbacca, but he’s got the same flop.  For me, he really reminds me of my Leo w/ his big brown eyes and love of pets.

[Elrohwen]

I don’t have any suggestions, but I can’t wait to see pictures of him! Ewan is a super cute name too.

[Deleted User]

I would keep trying to remove all the matted fur little by little and also dissolve the sticky hairs clumps in butt baths until you get it all smooth again. They can be very persistent those mats and cause skin issues as well as tearing.

[jerseygirl]

Congratulations! That’s great that he and Jessica are hitting it off. : )

I would opt for a sani shave and then trying to sort out what’s causing the mess. Maybe at a rescue or groomers who do rabbits? What is his weight like? My lop has longish hair on back of legs and that combined with his tubbiness results in cecals getting in the fur sometimes. He does manage pretty well though.

I think mineral oil can help ease out matts. You’d then need to wash that out along with any poop etc.

[LittlePuffyTail]

Congrats! Bring on them piccies!

Bindi gets some serious mats under his tail and on the sides of his feet and what I do, about once a month, I use my Wahl Pet trimmer (bought at Walmart in the dog section, under $10.00) and I clip off a big chunk of the mats. Not enough to leave him bald but just a good chunk and keep trimming and combing until new hair grows and it’s completely gone. You could do it a couple of times a week if it’s real bad. The trimmer makes noise but Bindi doesn’t mind it too much. This is the best method I have found because trying to comb out those mats result in him leaving little bite mark bruises all over my arm and scissors are just too dangerous. Good luck de-matting bunny!

[skunklionshow]

Jersey:  He’s not fat.  Jessica is a ball of lard, but he’s just under 3 lbs.  Though I’m sure he’s putting on some weight due to his piggy ways.  I think he just spent a lot of time in a cage that maybe did not get cleaned as often as needed.  He obviously did some serious butt sitting in the cage. 

His fur is not very long.  Leo the lionhead had a mane and dust ruffle & Ewan does not.  His fur is as short as Chewie our Mini-Lop, so not medium or long.

I actually have a vet surgical trimmer, but it needs a new blade.  We actually bought a blade about 12 mos ago, but haven’t been able to find it.  DH won’t let me use his clippers.  I’ll try to get some cheap clippers from the store and trim him up.  I can tell he’s very uncomfortable when I comb him out. 

I know it will be at least a month b/f he gets into the vet and gets his snip, so I want to make him as comfortable and sanitary until then.  He’s a SUPER Cutie, so I can’t wait to share some pics.  Super pooping machine, so I will work harder on litterbox skills once he is fixed.  Out of curiosity how does everyone pronounce Ewan.  We’ve heard it as “OOOH- EN” r ” U-En.”  Where’s Ewan McGregor when you need him.

[RabbitPam]

I pronounce it You Win.

I think the mineral oil to soften it first, then a low butte bath, followed by a trim not down to the skin, might be an effective combo.
Poor little guy, and lucky little guy!

[Author]

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