treating wounds

Question
My 9 year old dwarf bunny has developed a bad habit of sitting in her litterbox.  Today my husband and I clipped the chuck of feces from her backside as we do every week and saw the there is an area that is raw, wet and looks painful. We have a bunny savvy vet and we will take Inky there first thing tomorrow when they are open.  I am tempted to clean it with hydrogen peroxide but worry that is might hurt more and put her into shock.  Any suggestions on what to do since the vet is closed?  We are bringing her into the house for the night because it is very warm and I dont' want the flies to bother her or mess with this wound.

Answer
Dear Michele,

If your bunny has a messy bottom, she should definitely not be outdoors, where she would be at risk of deadly fly strike.  So you're wise to keep her in.  Nighttime is especially dangerous outdoors, since predators you don't even know are around can easily break into a hutch.

For more information on the causes of the messy bottom, please read:

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

And for instructions on how to safely clean her up until you can get her to the vet, please see:

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

Hydrogen peroxide is definitely too caustic.  But if you feel the area is infected, then dilute povidone iodine (Betadine) is safe and effective.  Wash with a soft gauze or cloth, let it stay wet with the betadine for about ten minutes, then rinse and dry carefully.  If the area is very raw, a thin layer of triple antibiotic ointment (no additives or numbing agents) can be very soothing.

You can find an experienced rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Hope she'll be fine soon.

Dana