AboutDana Krempels, Ph.D. Expertise I can answer just about any question regarding rabbit BIOLOGY and HEALTH from the commonplace (e.g. "runny stool"; dental problems) to the unusual. I can also help you with the most recent information on general rabbit care, as recommended by the nation`s top rabbit veterinarians and other experts.
For the best information on rabbit care anywhere on the internet, be sure to visit www.rabbit.org and consider joining EtherBun, a free listserve about rabbit health, care, and behavior. For more information on EtherBun, visit www.bio.miami.edu/hare/etherbun.html
Experience I have lived with companion rabbits for over 30 years, and have been a rabbit rescuer for the last 13. (Our first rescue, Maggie, just celebrated her 13th birthday!) I can answer just about any question concerning rabbit biology, health, care, and behavior.
I have a Ph.D. in biology (expertise in evolutionary biology, genetics, ecology, botany, and herpetology), and have worked extensively with veterinarians who are on the cutting edge of rabbit medicine.
I own EtherBun (EtherBun@yahoogroups.com), the largest free listserve devoted to companion rabbit health, care and behavior.
Since 1998, I have answered rabbit health and care questions from all over the world via the House Rabbit Society web site (www.rabbit.org), and if I cannot answer your question, I can certainly refer you to someone who can.
Organizations belong to House Rabbit Society
Publications Exotic DVM
Warren Peace (Journal of the House Rabbit Society of Miami)
Various newsletters of the House Rabbit Society, nationwide
Education/Credentials Ph.D - Biology
B.S. - Biology
B.A. - English
Awards and Honors Lightspan Academic Excellence Award for web site on rabbit health and biology
(http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare)
Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. Date: 7/8/2008 Subject: Rabbit fecal pellet stuck to anus
Question My male house rabbit has a single fecal pellet which appears to be "stuck" to one side of his anus. He is eating and pooping as normal (producing normal sized/shaped fecal pellets), so I wouldn't have noticed that anything was wrong, except I periodically check his bottom to make sure that he looks healthy down there. This fecal pellet has been there for several days now -- I initially thought perhaps the pellet would dislodge itself, so did not take any action. This evening I gently tried to remove the pellet while my rabbit was lying down on his belly, and it is lodged pretty tightly in there (it is off to the right side). The anal opening looks like a cross to me, and the pellet is on the right-most side, not obstructing the main opening at all.
It looks like a very thin membrane on the anus is adhered to the fecal pellet (which is extremely hard), and pulling on the pellet gently to try to remove it pulls the membrane as well, and I don't want to tear the membrane. I tried swabbing the area gently with a cotton swab and warm water to loosen the adhesion between skin and pellet, but that did not work in the least. I stopped because I don't want to cause discomfort to my rabbit -- but now I don't really know how to proceed. I know that when taking body temp on rabbits people use KY jelly as a lubricant, so I suppose the next step is for me to try to swab some lubricant on him and try again to remove the pellet, but I have a feeling that will not work, because only a small portion of the fecal pellet is outside the anus -- and it seems like the fecal pellet is tightly adhered from the inside. I'm worried because I'm assuming that there is a possibility for bacterial infection (or irritation), as a fecal pellet should not be in contact with the anus for that long.
I just don't know whether I should try treating this further myself, if I should just wait to see if the fecal pellet passes on its own eventually or dislodges, or whether I should take him into a vet immediately. I just don't want to stress him out unnecessarily. I also moved to a new city and so have not yet tried out the new list of "experienced rabbit vets" in the area... Any suggestions? Has this been problem with fecal pellet adhesion been seen before?
Answer Dear Ann,
Fecal pellets usually don't stick to the skin or fur, though cecotropes (more sticky, when fresh) often do. The easiest and safest way to remove them is to apply a bit of baby cornstarch (as opposed to baby powder, which contains potentially harmful talcum), and gently work it around the pellet, separating it from the skin as you gently rub the powder between skin and poop.
If that doesn't work, then a bit of mineral oil or even cooking oil applied to the area and allowed to sit for a bit should help loosen things up. And if all else fails, there are additional techniques here you can try:
