Messy Bottom and Nail Trimming

Question
My bunny had soft stools which she sat in and is now stuck to her fur. I tried to help her clean herself but after a few seconds she runs into her cage. How do I help her without her thinking I'm trying to hurt her? Just a little background info on her - she was abandoned and I rescued her. We have her one full year now and estimate her to be about two years old. She is a very happy bunny because she flops, binks, runs down our hallway kicking her feet, always nudging your hand as if she's telling me "keep petting me".  She's adorable! I want to help her........ Also, we need some advice on trimming her nails. She can be petted for hours but not held. (I understand to most bunnies they want to be on the ground). I read where some bunnies can be held whild trimming but when we clip one she runs into her cage. I have the Guillotine style clippers.
Any advice will be greatly appriciated.
Thanks.

Answer
Dear Bill,

You not only need to clean up her bottom, but also get to the bottom of the problem.  Please read:

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

for an overview of the causes and treatments of mushy stool, and then read:

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

for information on how to safely clean off the mess.

For instructions on how to clip your bunny's nails, please see:

http://www.mnhouserabbit.org/care/nailtrimming.html

and for lessons on how to handle your bunny so she won't be frightened, please see:

http://www.mnhouserabbit.org/care/handling.html

Hope that helps!

Dana