Jennie Kermode
New Kit
Hello all,
My three year old mixed-breed rabbit, Fergie, has a persistent problem with faeces sticking to her. She seems unable to clean them off properly herself and doesn't like other people doing it. (Her partner, Callie, admittedly doesn't make much effort.)
A couple of months ago Fergie had a sudden attack of severe pain. We rushed her to the emergency vet, who diagnosed it as such and gave her a painkiller but was unable to find any course. She visited her own vet twice in the following week, but no cause could be found on those occasions either, and as she seemed to be fine after that one injection of painkiller, we left it at that. The only potential health issue which could be found was that she's a bit overweight and her blood sugar is slightly (but, we're told, not worryingly) high. I mention these things in case they might have a bearing on the situation. We adopted her in January but were assured at the time that she was in good health. She had been checked over by the vet at the adoption agency.
The pain issue, thankfully, has not recurred. Fergie is an enthusiastic eater who enjoys nuggets, hay, various dried leaves and flowers (all from a source approved by the adoption agency) and cardboard. She's a bit suspicious of fresh food but does eat some cucumber.
I'm posting here to see if anyone has had experience of similar issues with their rabbits. My thinking at this stage is that there may be an allergy issue or she may do better on a restricted diet, but obviously, with another one to feed as well, that's tricky, and I know better than to risk reducing the amount of food available to a rabbit. She has gradually been gaining in confidence since her arrival and has consequently become more active, so I'm hoping that will help with the weight issue.
All ideas or advice very much appreciated.
My three year old mixed-breed rabbit, Fergie, has a persistent problem with faeces sticking to her. She seems unable to clean them off properly herself and doesn't like other people doing it. (Her partner, Callie, admittedly doesn't make much effort.)
A couple of months ago Fergie had a sudden attack of severe pain. We rushed her to the emergency vet, who diagnosed it as such and gave her a painkiller but was unable to find any course. She visited her own vet twice in the following week, but no cause could be found on those occasions either, and as she seemed to be fine after that one injection of painkiller, we left it at that. The only potential health issue which could be found was that she's a bit overweight and her blood sugar is slightly (but, we're told, not worryingly) high. I mention these things in case they might have a bearing on the situation. We adopted her in January but were assured at the time that she was in good health. She had been checked over by the vet at the adoption agency.
The pain issue, thankfully, has not recurred. Fergie is an enthusiastic eater who enjoys nuggets, hay, various dried leaves and flowers (all from a source approved by the adoption agency) and cardboard. She's a bit suspicious of fresh food but does eat some cucumber.
I'm posting here to see if anyone has had experience of similar issues with their rabbits. My thinking at this stage is that there may be an allergy issue or she may do better on a restricted diet, but obviously, with another one to feed as well, that's tricky, and I know better than to risk reducing the amount of food available to a rabbit. She has gradually been gaining in confidence since her arrival and has consequently become more active, so I'm hoping that will help with the weight issue.
All ideas or advice very much appreciated.
