Feces clinging to the hind end

Question
My indoor rabbit has an issue with her feces clinging to her hind end. The feces will build up into a ball that seems attached to her skin more so than hair. She is not a long-haired rabbit. She will let me brush her on her head and back but not on her belly so it is difficult for me to keep an eye on the area. I had a dwarf rabbit that had the same issue. I am just trying to find out if this is normal. If it is normal, should I attempt to remove it by clipping around it or just let it fall off (which it does after a while but another one starts right up). If it is not normal what can I do to prevent this from happening? She does have feces that drops into the litter box both the round ones and the soft ones that they should eat. She also has no issues with urination. I have looked through the book I purchased about rabbits but this issue is not addressed. I would appreciate any assistance you can provide. Thank you

Answer
Dear Michelle,

It's not normal for the "buttball" to accumulate, and it's an indication that she can't reach herself to clean and eat her cecotropes.  If she's a bit pudgy, that can cause this problem.  Arthritis in older rabbits can also result in an inability to reach and remove cecotropes.

An abundance of simple carbohydrates also can cause mushy cecotropes that collect around the bunghole.  Please read:

http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/poop.html

It explains the various causes of mushy cecotropes (due to cecal dysbiosis).  While some people mistakenly believe this is due to giving a bunny a diet too rich in fresh greens, this is almost never the problem.  However, it could have something to do with his, if bun is getting the wrong type of food.  Please check that here:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/diet.html

The second most common cause of this problem is probably pain/stress from dental disorders, such as molar spurs or other dental problem.  Please read:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/dental.html

You will need an experienced rabbit vet to help you, and you can find one via the Vet Referral Listings linked here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

The vet can also check for intestinal parasites (if possible, bring a very fresh sample of bunny poop with you in a clean ziplock bag), such as coccidia or roundworms. These are not particularly common in adult rabbits, but it never hurts to be sure.

In the meantime, you can safely clean bunny and keep him comfortable with the techniques described here:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/buttbath.html

I hope this helps you get to the bottom of the problem and get it under control.

Dana