maisydaisystar
Alpha Buck
Having checked that my female rabbit had a clean bottom, now that the flies are about, I noticed she had dark brown, almost black hard crusty lumps, either side of her genitals, I have come across this before with another rabbit I had in the 90's, I never knew what it was, but cleaned and removed it, as I did with the female I have now
After searching the internet, this is what I found, Just wondering how many of you out there are aware of this????????? As I have never heard it spoken of on the forum. And should I check my male rabbit too???? Or is it just females that have this??????
In addition to the scent glands under their chins, rabbits also have much more powerful scent glands on both sides of their genitals. This area needs to be checked and will probably always need cleaning. Sometimes you'll find just a few moist flakes from dried skin, but more often you'll find a very dark brown, hard, waxy type of build-up. Either of these can be easily removed with a cotton swab dipped in hydrogen peroxide. If this substance is not cleaned and is allowed to remain, the area could become infected.
The rabbit may have to be turned on its back to do this. Keep one hand pressed firmly on the stomach so that he/she cannot suddenly flip over and injure their back. Use your fingers to find the genitals and then to separate the area directly adjacent to the genitals. When you find the scent glands and separate the overlapping skin, the dark substance will become visible.
If your rabbit ever has a "skunky" smell -- it's time for a cleaning!
After searching the internet, this is what I found, Just wondering how many of you out there are aware of this????????? As I have never heard it spoken of on the forum. And should I check my male rabbit too???? Or is it just females that have this??????
In addition to the scent glands under their chins, rabbits also have much more powerful scent glands on both sides of their genitals. This area needs to be checked and will probably always need cleaning. Sometimes you'll find just a few moist flakes from dried skin, but more often you'll find a very dark brown, hard, waxy type of build-up. Either of these can be easily removed with a cotton swab dipped in hydrogen peroxide. If this substance is not cleaned and is allowed to remain, the area could become infected.
The rabbit may have to be turned on its back to do this. Keep one hand pressed firmly on the stomach so that he/she cannot suddenly flip over and injure their back. Use your fingers to find the genitals and then to separate the area directly adjacent to the genitals. When you find the scent glands and separate the overlapping skin, the dark substance will become visible.
If your rabbit ever has a "skunky" smell -- it's time for a cleaning!