Not cleaning very well

Alicia · May 22, 2016

Joey is about 7 years old and he's recently got quite bad at cleaning himself. I don't think he's particularly overweight, we even thought he was underweight a few months ago because you could feel his bones quite easily but now he seems ok weight wise. My friends cat is quite old and has stopped cleaning herself, I wonder if something like this can happen with rabbits or if I should take him to the vets? I clean him off as and when needed but I just wanted to find out if there's a reason for this because as the weathers getting warmer, flystrike is a worry.

tonibun · May 22, 2016

Do you mean his poo is sticking to his fur? Have you looked at his diet to see if he is eating too many pellets etc?

Alicia · May 22, 2016

Yes that's what I mean, sorry I should have been more clear. They share 1.5 handfuls between 2 rabbits and have lots of grass and they have hay all the time. They also get some veg every morning.

tonibun · May 22, 2016

If they have lots of grass and hay I would cut out the veg and monitor him. Maybe you are feeding too many pellets, but I would try cutting out the veg first. He shouldn't be getting a mucky bum really unless he has some teeth problems? Hope you can get to the "bottom" of this problem!

lauraj27 · May 22, 2016

I would second cutting out the veg.

Sometimes as bunnies get older they can develop arthritis which may make it difficult / painful for them to clean themselves down there, but start with the veggies and see what happens. Hopefully it will solve the issue.

Babsie · May 23, 2016

I would take him to a rabbit-savvy vet for a check-up. Can't be too careful with rabbits.

MightyMax · May 23, 2016

Alicia said:
Joey is about 7 years old and he's recently got quite bad at cleaning himself. I don't think he's particularly overweight, we even thought he was underweight a few months ago because you could feel his bones quite easily but now he seems ok weight wise. My friends cat is quite old and has stopped cleaning herself, I wonder if something like this can happen with rabbits or if I should take him to the vets? I clean him off as and when needed but I just wanted to find out if there's a reason for this because as the weathers getting warmer, flystrike is a worry.

Although 7 isn't ancient for a rabbit, he could have some mobility/spinal/ arthritis issues which are preventing him from cleaning himself. Has this happened all of a sudden recently, or has it been a gradual thing?

A vet could prescribe Metacam for a rabbit in pain with joint issues, though it won't necessarily address the problem of him cleaning himself. What I do with my elderlies who can't manage, is regularly clip the fur around the 'bits' and around the tail (above the tail too). Also inspect the inside of the back legs for urine scald.

Checking twice daily, especially in warm weather, is essential

Not cleaning very well

Alicia

Mama Doe

tonibun

Wise Old Thumper

Alicia

Mama Doe

tonibun

Wise Old Thumper

lauraj27

Warren Scout

Babsie

Wise Old Thumper

MightyMax

Banned

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