Stool Problems

Question
Recently I put my rabbit(8 year old Male, neutered, Dwarf)in a hutch outside and he was very happy. Yesterday I noticed he was lying around and not his usual self. I brought him in the house tonight and upon examining him, I noticed he had wet mushy stool stuck to his bottom and there appears to be some blood in it. I believe he may have eaten too much grass and was constipated and finally passed it causing him to bleed a little. Is that a possibility? I'm watching him for the next couple of hours to see if he uses the bathroom and what it looks like if he does. What else could cause this?

Answer
Dear Nichole,

The problem is not too much grass, unless there was pesticide or inorganic fertilizer on the lawn that he ingested, which could make him very ill.  Please read:

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

for information on cecal dysbiosis, the symptom of which is the mushy stool you describe.  Please also read:

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

for information on how to tell if he's sick, and what to do if he is, and find a good rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets/vets.html

Rabbits are very stoic about illness, so you're a good mom to be concerned at this seemingly small change, which could indicate something serious.  I would have him seen by a good rabbit vet right away if he hasn't significantly improved after 12 hours of these symptoms.

Hope this helps.

Dana