Questions about bacterial infections

[dmh426]

Now that Sophie’s "poopy butt" is really a bacterial infection, I have some questions- why did this happen? My vet, who is a small animal specialist assured me it was nothing that I did and that it just sometimes happens. I am a little anal retentative and own no less than 10 books on being a bunny parent. Sophie has a prefect well balanced diet, her litterbox is cleaned every other day and she gets daily excercise. She is the only pet in a controlled environment. I just don’t know why this happened. it’s horrible. it’s all over the top of her tail and her bum area. She’s pulling out the hair and you can tell it’s sore. I just want to know what to do to prevent this from happening again and "it’s nothing you did" is great to hear, but doesn’t help!!!!

[BinkyBunny]

Honestly, I’m not really sure.  I am a bit baffled because though i know of bacteria infections that can cause eye problems, snuffles, abscesses, etc, the only bacteria that I know of that causes poopybutt is caused by an imbalance in the good bacteria that is in their digestive system. That imbalance can cause an overgrowth in the bacteria which causes some serious negative bacteria growth – which can be considered an infection     

However,  the only way that I know how this overgrowth happens in the first place is either by diet, stress, OR by some other underlying illness which compromises the immune system. 

I’d have to research more to understand how bacteria infections can happen in the intestines (besides the reasons I mentioned)  Maybe some of our other rabbit savvy members can shed some light on this  in the meantime.

 The fact that your vet said that it was a bacteria infection, but not an overgrowth of bacteria which caused the infection, then I don’t know! I’d love to know what kind of bacteria it is. There are different kinds of bacteria. Did the vet specify?  I mean did they take a culture?

Regardless though, you can’t beat yourself up about it.  I mean even when WE are healthy, sometimes we just get a cold.    We are surrounded by bacteria in our lives.  Good and bad, and there are tons of different strains.  We just aren’t immuned to them all, and the same goes for our fuzzy companions.

Keep us updated!!  I’m sending healthy healing Binky Vibes Sophie’s way!

 

[dmh426]

The vet seemed a little baffled too since she pooped there and the poops were perfectly normal. They took a skin scraping and want to see how she does on the Tresorm and the Baytril. I also was given a medicated shampoo for bunnies and other small animals to use when needed. Since she’s not acting sick or lethargic, I can’t even say that she is feeling better since she isn’t acting any different. I will keep you updated. Time to put her in a “bunny burrito” and get 1/2 cc of Baytril down her throat!

[BinkyBunny]

Even rabbits who suffer from poopybutt (messy gloppy poop) can still have normal poos too. 

I know there is a parasitic type of infection called coccidia that can make all poos rather large and mushy, smelly and icky. 

But y understanding is the overgrowth and imbalance of the bacteria in the system happens in the cecum, and those CECAL pellets, or ceceotropes can get gross and messy, while the regular FECAL pellets can remain relatively normal (depends on what is really going on)

Did the vet do a test on the messy poops?  Did the vet say anything about yeast at all?     I am assuming the shampoo was to spot clean her messy butt. I have to do that with Bailey. 

Bailey has a very sensitive digestive system, so even with the healthiest diet, I have to watch very carefully,   She suffers from a crooked spine and e.cuniculi.   I do not know if they directly contribute or if she is just very senstive (some say lops can have this problem).  

Good Luck with the Baytril!  It can take some practice getting that liquid down her, but you’ll get the hang of it.

Keep us updated!

[dmh426]

The vet didn’t say anything about yeast, but did seem to be positive that this bacterial infection was not related to her digestive system. It had spread to the top of her tail and there is no hair there now, as she pulled it out and has a bare spot. Haven’t gotten the results of the skin scraping yet, should know Tuesday.

Giving her the Bayril isn’t bad in liquid form. Bunny burrito and it’s done. The medicated shampoo is to spot clean and to medicate the bare areas and the fur. My poor girl!

[Author]

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