URGANT HELP!

Question
Okay, so I groom my rabbit quite often and usually have no problems, and sometimes when the fur is matted I am able to cut it, because I know how careful to be. I've done this for 5 years now. But today, he flinched and i accidentally cut into his skin on his back, its not a bit cut, and its not too deep, but it is a little. I am really worried, I don't want to tell my mum because she would freak out at me, I just want to know the best way for it to be healed and to prevent infection with flies e.t.c. please reply A.S.A.P.

Answer
Dear Megan,

Wash the wound gently with dilute povidone iodine solution (Betadine, available at any drug store) and pat dry.  Cut all hair away from the wound, so it won't get stuck in the tissues and promote infection.  Keep a very close eye on the wound to be sure it scabs over normally and doesn't become red or inflamed.

You should not hide this from your mother simply because she might get upset.  Accidents happen, and if this cut needs more care than just a rinse with betadine, then your mother will be in charge of the visit to the vet.  If you don't already have a rabbit vet, you can find one here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

To avoid this accident in the future, try sprinkling a tiny bit of commercial baby cornstarch (not talcum, but you can find it in the same place in the store) on the mat, and working it in.  Then carefully comb with a fine-toothed flea comb at the base of the mat.  In most cases, the slippery cornstarch will cause the mat to come free with ease, or at least help tease it apart so you don't have to use scissors.

Hope this helps, and that your bunny will be just fine.

Dana