Anal gland build up?

rhiannon.hughes · Aug 11, 2006

This may sound strange, but a couple of days ago I was inspecting my bunny's bottom (she's an older lady and needs help with her hygiene

) I noticed a rather pungent smell. Either side of her anus there was a waxy kind of build up. I bathed her bottom as she isn't the best at keeping it clean :roll: and gently removed this build up. The smell was awful, and yesterday when I checked the smell was still there, it's really rather pungent.

I was wondering is this an anal gland blockage (like you can get in cats and dogs?). Did I do the right thing in cleaning them?

Sorry to be a pain, i've never encountered this before.

Jack's-Jane · Aug 11, 2006

That would be her scent glands.All buns have them and they secrete a strong smelling waxy substance which varies in colour from creamy white to orangey-brown.

Most Buns keep themselves clean but elderly Buns and Buns with arthritis of the spine may need help. Has your elderly Bun been checked by a Vet recntly for age related problems like spinal pain or teeth problems?
If not it might be a good idea just to make sure she does not have any physical problems stopping her from cleaning herself.

If she gets a clean bill of health from your Vet then you just need to check her bum DAILY (more often in hot weather) and clean her up as necessary.Be careful removing the build up of gunk from her scent glands as Buns skin around that area is paper thin and can easily tear.

Janex

rhiannon.hughes · Aug 15, 2006

Thanks Jane,

I feel relieved now about removing the gunk.

. I do check her bottom daily when we have cuddles, but i'd never looked down the sides of her bum before (don't worry, will do from now on!).

I'll get her checked, i've got a friwnd who's a vet and i'll see if she'll pop round and take a look and if she's worried i'll take her in to the surgery to get checked.

I'm getting worried about the whole ageing thing. I remember when my last bun Dillon got old and eventually had to be pts, don't know how i'll cope

I cried for days, just couldn't stop. I know it's an inevitable part of pet keeping, but soooo hard to bear. I said i'd never have another bunny after that, but after I found Noel and no-one claimed I just had to keep her she's soo fantastic and a real snuggle bun who'll sit on you for cuddles until the cows come home! Bless

Jack's-Jane · Aug 15, 2006

rhiannon.hughes said:
Thanks Jane,

I feel relieved now about removing the gunk. . I do check her bottom daily when we have cuddles, but i'd never looked down the sides of her bum before (don't worry, will do from now on!).

I'll get her checked, i've got a friwnd who's a vet and i'll see if she'll pop round and take a look and if she's worried i'll take her in to the surgery to get checked.

I'm getting worried about the whole ageing thing. I remember when my last bun Dillon got old and eventually had to be pts, don't know how i'll cope I cried for days, just couldn't stop. I know it's an inevitable part of pet keeping, but soooo hard to bear. I said i'd never have another bunny after that, but after I found Noel and no-one claimed I just had to keep her she's soo fantastic and a real snuggle bun who'll sit on you for cuddles until the cows come home! Bless

Awwwww she sounds lovely

I adore the oldie Bunnies. They have a certain extra 'something'.
Yes it hurts so much when we loose them. But I would never let that stop me adopting a Bun. Particularly the OABs!! (Old Age Buns!!)

Janex

Anal gland build up?

rhiannon.hughes

Warren Scout

Jack's-Jane

Wise Old Thumper

rhiannon.hughes

Warren Scout

Jack's-Jane

Wise Old Thumper

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