upset tummy

Question
My rabbit is a year old but his stools seem to be very messy and his fur very matted around his bottom. he is eating and seems ok but would like to know how to stop the tummy problem.

Answer
Dear Sarah,

What you describe is a common problem, and it's caused by cecal dysbiosis.  You can read about the diagnosis and the causes and treatments of this problem here:

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

While you're figuring out the source of the problem, you can keep your bunny clean and comfortable safely with a dry buttbath:

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

Since the two most common reasons for cecal dysbiosis are poor diet and dental problems, please also read:

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

and

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

And to find a good vet who can help you solve this problem, please use the list linked here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Hope that helps!

Dana