Ball o Poop stuck to bunnys bum

Question
Hi.  This is probably the most rediculous question you have ever been asked, but it has me concerned.  Our 4 year old half Netherland Dwarf half domestic rabbit has many stools adhered to the fur near his rectum which has produced a large, hard fecal ball.  It does not seem to be blocking his rectum, but he doesn't seem himself.  How can I remove this matter from his fur?  So far today, I have tried luke warm water, and vaseline.  It hasn't even softened it.  I look forward to any remedy you can provide.  Thank you for your time.

Answer
Dear Donna,

It's not a ridiculous question.  In fact, it's really common.  The easiest and safest way to remove the poop ball is with baby cornstarch, and using the instructions described here:

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

But the problem won't stop there.  The mushy poop is something to be concerned about, since it indicates a health problem somewhere in the system.  This condition, cecal dysbiosis, can be caused by several different things, as you can read here:

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

The two most common causes are incorrect diet:

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

and dental problems:

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

especially in small, short-faced rabbits.

You can find a good vet to help you here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Hope this helps.

Dana