Scent Gland Build-up (I think)

[hjbarberr]

So today I picked up my second Netherland dwarf from a family that clearly paid NO attention to her. She has mattes everywhere on her underside, but even worse I noticed two golf ball size balls between her back legs. At first I assumed matted fur and poop, but when I began to cut them out I noticed they seemed to be attached to her. I started reading up online and I notice that bunnies scent glands need to be cleaned or it can build up. From the pictures I saw this is a pretty severe case. I know you’re not suppose to bathe bunnies, but at this point I’m not sure what options I have. I’m currently up at school (I attend college a couple hours from home and my vet) and I can’t call because it’s after hours. I’m worried about her so I wanted to get some feedback as soon as possible. She doesn’t seem to be in pain and she didn’t flinch when I tried to clear them out. I’m wondering if this calls for a vet visit or if I can do something about it myself. I wouldn’t be able to get home until this weekend, so if there is anything I can do I’d appreciate some insight.  

[OliverBun]

I am no expert. So this is assuming you are right about it being scent glands. But I have no idea if it is or isn’t that.
My vet showed me how to clean out scent glands. You need two people.. One holds the bunny in a c-sit position with butt displayed. The other can move the fur away and (for lack of a better word) pick the material out of the scent glands gently with a wet qtip. It’s quite easy just a little stinky.

[Azerane]

If it’s quite severe you can give the bunny a butt bath. Just putting about an inch of water in a tub that gets her butt wet so that you can rinse out the dirt and matts etc. Make sure if you do this to dry her off thoroughly after. If you can’t seem to get the area cleaned up you may need to see a vet for it.

My other concern is… are you sure she’s not a he and the two lumps aren’t poor testicles that are completely matted over and covered in old poop etc.

[hjbarberr]

Well I gave her a bath. It took me four hours, but she’s all cleaned up!

[Bam]

Two golf ball sized clumps =( My bunny Bam had build-up in his anal glands once, it was like two hard black seeds stuck in there. I removed them with q-tips dipped in a little cooking oil. It never recurred, but it’s wise to check the glands now and then.

If you haven’t already, make sure you dry her properly after the bath. Just so she doesn’t get cold. It’s not normal for buns to be wet, but sometimes there’s just no other option than to give a proper butt-bath. You can use a hair-dryer on low setting. Surprisingly, bunnies tend to like having their fur blow-dried.

[Azerane]

Fantastic to hear that you got her all cleaned up

[Author]

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