dwarf rabbit, millky white feaces - serious?

Question
My wife and I have been thoroughly enjoying our two new members of our family,two adorable dwarf rabbits for the past 3 weeks.

However, this morning we noticed that one the rabbits' feaces is runny,white and smelly (esentially milky in appearance).The accompanying smell is not for the faint-hearted either.

Their diet consists mainly of South African organic mountain hay, organic carrots, pellets and some wheat-grass as the occasional treat.
The rabbit in question, Lipsey, does not appear to be in any pain, and is 'binkying' around our house seemingly happy.
Should I be worried about the faeces? Is it serious?
Thanks in advance
Riaan
Johannesburg
South Africa

Answer
Hi,

it should be considered very serious for several reasons.  First, it is indicative of a gi tract problem and it could be bacteria from an infection, parasites, or both.  Second, rabbit output like this is by its very nature, abnormal.  It should not be like that.  Third, problems like this rarely take care of themselves.  Fourth, it could be transmissable, in which case your other bunny will acquire it and both will become affected and need treatment.  Fifth, any kind of diarrhea-type problem dehydrates rabbits fast, and this can kill them quickly (just like babies).  In rabbits water is taken from the gut to the rest of the body, and the gut shuts down and they can die.

Your bunny may be okay for the moment but to be blunt, that does not count for anything in a case like this.  You must get her to a good rabbit vet right away (and I would take the other one (take both as they are bonded) and have both examined.  If it is a parasite or bacteria/virus, make sure you ask the vet how to disinfect their cages, areas, and the house.

To find a good rabbit vet, if you don't already have one, start here:

South Africa

Doctor Collin Van Rensburg
Honey Junction Centre
Honeydew Johannesburg
(011) 472-2234

Doctor Stephen Van Der Spei
Onderstepoort, Pretoria
(012) 529-8000 ask for outpatients

The Fourways Animal Eye Clinic
Doctor Van Der Spei consults at every second week or so
Johannesburg



I would go in as soon as physically possible, while they still have a lot of energy and strength in case necessary treatment is hard on them.  Please don't wait.  And make sure they are eating and drinking.  Make sure the hay doesn't have mold on it, that it is dry and smells good, and that all greens are washed well.  I would probably stop giving them greens and such until the problem clears up, it may lead to gas pains and gi slowdown.

Lee