Cow Poop Syndrome?

Question
Hi I have a rabbit that might just fit the description of having "Cow Poop Syndrome."

She is a Holland lop who is white with black spots and black ears and a black stripe down her back.

The reason that I am asking about this is because she seems to often have irregular shaped poos - unlike most with this condition, her poops seem to be relatively moist - which is good.

I heard that if this goes untreated then the bunny's intestine can become scarred, causing more problems. So I would rather treat it early than have complications later. She is almost two years old, if that makes a difference.

So I was wondering, if she does have this then I read that you said to give lactaluse daily? Does the lactaluse get absorbed - because I don't want her to take a medication (if I can help it) that could build up in her system and harm her. I read about the bunny Gypsy, that had this and you said she/he died of liver failure, was this because of the condition, the medicine, or because he/she often had blockages that prevented him from eating properly?

In other words, what is the prognisis for this condition? I am willing to treat it if she does have it, but I want to ensure that my bunny will live as long as a normal bunny would.

Also my bunny weighs three pounds, what would be the dosage of lactaluse if she does have to take it?

Thank you.

Answer
Dear Katherine,

This is one of those unfortunate situations in which you need to watch and wait and hope.  Lactulose is an osmotic laxative, and while it will soften and hydrate the poops, it also could strip her digestive tract of much-needed nutrients.  Chronic laxative use can cause serious health problems, and I would NOT recommend this.

For now, keep her wet greens very wet, and keep track of her molars.  Holland Lops are prone to molar spurs, and these can cause picky eating habits and chronic GI slowdown.  The latter can elicit cecal dysbiosis:

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

which can have GI side effects ranging from gas to desiccation of intestinal contents if the bunny stops drinking or eating enough to keep the GI contents hydrated.  This seems to be the main problem with the "cowpoop" bunnies, though no one yet  knows *exactly* what's going on in their GI tract.  It appears to be a lack of proper innervation, and signs tend to get worse as a bunny ages.  Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do except try your best to keep her well hydrated and her GI contents moving smoothly so that large, desiccated poops *don't* start causing the GI tract scarring we saw with Gypsy.

I'd find a good rabbit vet now:

www.rabbit.org/vets

who can help you keep track of the situation, and be able to prescribe medications as they become necessary, IF they become necessary.  Until then, just enjoy her and love her and hope for the best.

Dana