Hardened feces under tail

Question
Dr. Krempels-
Due to hardened feces under my rabbits tail, I was thinking of soaking her in water to loosen and clean the area. Is it OK to bathe rabbits, and if so is there a special shampoo I should use? She is otherwise healthy and happy.
Thanks-
Stan

Answer
Dear Stan,

Before you get the mass wet, it might be better to try the dry bath technique described here:

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

A wet bath should be avoided, if possible, as it can invite other problems.  If you resort to water, there are instructions in that URL above for how to do it safely.

The main problem isn't getting the hardened poop off, however.  It's finding out *why* she's having the cecal dysbiosis that's causing it to accumulate there.  This is a common health problem, but one that needs to be addressed before it becomes more serious. Please read this completely:

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

to understand why the messy bottom is potentially serious, and to read about the various potential causes and treatments to stop the problem permanently.

I hope this helps.  Please write back if you have any other questions.

Dana