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stop using the litter box

22 10:07:06

Question
I have 2 questions.  One is Willie (pet dutch) is 8 years old and has been in our family his whole life.  Just about 3 weeks ago, he stopped using his litter box and goes in different spots in his cage. Wondering why and what to do.  Also he seems to have trouble of poop sticking to his bottom alot!.  Pellets come but still sticking problems, that cause a hugh oder and mess.

Answer
Dear Cindy,

Sudden litterbox changes can signify a health problem.  The mushy poop stuck to his bum is due to cecal dysbiosis, which is explained here:

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

The GI slowdown most commonly responsible for c.d. is triggered by pain/stress.  So my guess would be that his litterbox changes are due to something painful, such as a urinary tract infection, bladder stones, or bladder sludge.  Please see:

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

Other problems could also contribute, including arthritis or other pain that's making it uncomfortable to jump into the box.  Until this condition is determined and treated (pain medications are something to consider; be sure to ask the vet), you might want to cut one side of the litterbox down so he can step in, rather than jump.

But it's time for a trip to a good rabbit vet:

www.rabbit.org/vets

to find out the root cause of his sudden change in behavior.

Hope this helps.

Dana