Renal problems

Question
I had sent you the question about the rabbit with the possible renal problem.  She also has a problem with loose stools.  I try to watch what I feed her.  She was getting Oxbow Timothy pellets, timothy hay and Greens (Try not to vary hers to much Cilantro, Italian parsley, Celery chopped, carrot tops, and small piece of carrot) She has a loose stool quite often.  We thought it could be the timothy pellets because when she was colicky she just eat hay and greens and didn't seem to have a problem with it.  So I have cut down on the quantity I feed her Just 1 tablespoon between her and her partner in am and pm.  I've supplemented it with a straight timothy hay pellet.  She had seemed better but lately she has had the loose stool again.  I was wondering if she has no feeling and doesn't realize she is producing cecotoeps plus she just sits in one spot and urinates also so it runs up her back.  She appears healthy, eats well and runs around.  I'm always having to wash her bum because I worry about urine burns-  That was her problem when Ifirst got her.  I'm not sure if there is something I should change in her diet.  Iwas wondering if the timothy hay is to rich for her and I should go to a local hay.  May problem she has the run of a room with another rabbit so changes to the diet affects him as well.  He has no problems with food etc.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Debbie

Answer
Dear Debbie,

Mushy cecotropes are caused by cecal dysbiosis, which is often a side effect of other health problems.  Please read this for a full explanation:

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

If the diet is healthy (and it sounds as if it is), then the next most common culprit is...molar spurs!  Please read this:

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

and find an experienced rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

who can examine the teeth *deep* in the mouth and file any painful spurs.  If she has a urinary tract problem:

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

this could also contribute to the runny stool, as pain and sickness will promote the GI slowdown that causes cecal dysbiosis.  If you treat her urinary tract problems and/or dental problems, the mushy stool should resolve.

I hope this helps.

Dana