QuestionMy older male rabbit, probably a lop ear?, seems to be having a problem with his genital area. Poop seems to be....not detaching, kind of hanging on and OUT in big balls and it smells awful. I have been pulling these big balls of gooey poop off every day and washing his genital area in the sink (he is "fixed", FYI). Is this an "older rabbit" issue?
AnswerDear Sandra,
This sounds like cecal dysbiosis:
www.bio.miami.edu/hare/poop.html
It often occurs in older rabbits, but it's a symptom, not a disease. The most common cause is molar spur pain--especially in lops. Please read:
www.bio.miami.edu/hare/dental.html
and find a good rabbit vet here who can check and file his molars, as necesary, and do a complete wellness exam to make sure there's nothing else contributing to the problem:
www.rabbit.org/vets
The prime cause is incorrect diet, and though he may have been okay with a lot of starch as a youngster, older rabbits tend to get a bit more sensitive to food as they go on. Please read:
www.bio.miami.edu/hare/diet.html
to be sure his diet isn't a contributing factor.
Hope this helps.
Dana