Rabbit Having Large Soft Stool

[BunnyGuy]

Hi, I’m new to this site and only know a certain amount about rabbits (despite having one for 8 years).

I’ve taken great care of my Rex Rabbit, Rex.  Yet at certain points I’ve noticed him having a large amount of stool stuck to his bottom.  It’s very soft, not liquid; but the amount of it is more than usual.  He’s had this before which caused me to change his diet, it took me about 2 weeks to figure out the diet that’s best for him; but it’s back to the point where this is happening again.

I read somewhere a rabbits diet should be 80% Hay, the rest normal food (not a lot of pellets, but a lot of veggies), and water.

Which ironically when I started giving him more hay, this is when the problem started; but it’s not normal timothy hay, it’s sweet hay.  Could this be the problem?

Suggestions?

The stool also smells very bad, worse than usual; I plan on making an appointment with his doctor soon when I can take him.  But I figured I’d join this website and see what everyone else thinks!  I also moved to a new room, that’s a little colder than normal; but I check him often and he runs quite warm.  So I don’t think he’s sick, he doesn’t sneeze with the snuffles, he acts normal.  He’s also shedding a lot, but that’s normal this time of year; seasonal change.

[litheandgraphic]

Hello and welcome to the site!

So first off, I’m not entirely sure what “sweet” hay is, but it would definitely be best to go out and get some regular Timothy hay, nothing with any weird bits and bobs in it. A brand like Kaytee or Oxbow would be best, but any plain Timothy hay works.

What is he getting daily as far as veggies are concerned?

Do the poops look like cecals that he may not be eating and accidentally sitting in?

[litheandgraphic]

Hello and welcome to the site!

So first off, I’m not entirely sure what “sweet” hay is, but it would definitely be best to go out and get some regular Timothy hay, nothing with any weird bits and bobs in it. A brand like Kaytee or Oxbow would be best, but any plain Timothy hay works.

What is he getting daily as far as veggies are concerned?

Do the poops look like cecals that he may not be eating and accidentally sitting in?

8 is getting up there for a bunny. He may also just not be able to clean himself properly anymore, which may require you to assist him with “butt baths”. Only your vet will be able to say for sure though.

[LBJ10]

With him being a senior bun, it could be a number of things. Sounds like you already plan on taking him to the vet, which would probably be your best bet in this case.
When you say “sweet hay”, I think alfalfa. If that’s the case, the alfalfa could definitely be contributing to the problem.

[Sarita]

Have you had a vet check him out lately – this could be the result of dental problems or possibly arthritis.

[Author]

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