True diarrhea is rare in adult rabbits, but sometimes occurs in young rabbits, especially in improperly weaned babies. It’s a life-threatening emergency in rabbits of any age. Normal cecotropes look like tiny bunches of grapes, and rabbits need to eat them in order to maintain proper nutrition. Often confused with diarrhea, soft cecotropes are a much more common issue in adult rabbits. Simple dietary changes are often the only necessary treatment. Soft cecotropes are often characterized by a consistency like thick pudding or soft blobs that stick to the rabbit and its surroundings. It is often accompanied by a foul odor.
True diarrhea is often fatal and needs to be taken very seriously. It is usually caused by an alteration of the microorganisms in the cecum (the part of the rabbit’s GI tract responsible for fermentation). [3] X Research source If you don’t already have a vet with experience treating rabbits, search for one online or check the House Rabbit Society’s listing: http://rabbit. org/vet-listings/.
If you can’t bring samples with you for any reason, try to take pictures of droppings to show the vet. The vet does not need a large amount for a sample. A sample the size of two to three grapes is plenty. You can transport the sample in a latex glove or zip lock bag to make it easier on the veterinary staff.
Before injecting the solution, pull the plunger back to make sure you don’t draw blood. If you do, you’ve pierced a blood vessel or muscle and need to choose another site. After injecting the solution, withdraw the needle swiftly and gently along its path of entry. [7] X Research source It is not uncommon for the rabbit to have a little “humpback” after subcutaneous fluid administration. Do not worry as this will get absorbed and distributed by the body soon, after which it will disappear. The scruff and flank are the best spots for subcutaneous injection. Administer a total of 10 mg over the course of 24 hours at different sites to reduce tissue damage. [8] X Research source
Imodium or other anti-diarrhea medication Cholestyramine to treat toxins created by bacteria or parasites Pain relief medication Colostrum to support the immune system of a baby rabbit
High fiber grass hay is the most important part of a rabbit’s diet and is essential for proper digestion. It should return the flora and digestion in the cecum to a normal, balanced state. It should consume only grass hay and water until its droppings return to normal. Make sure the grass hay is fresh and mold free, fresh hay should smell good to you. If the hay is dried out or moldy the rabbit won’t eat it.
Once you see it consistently eating hay, slowly reduce the amount of pellets you feed it over one to two weeks until you’ve eliminated pellets completely. If it doesn’t eat hay, pulverize pellets in a food processor, spray the hay with water, then sprinkle it with the pellet powder.
Once you’ve switched to grass hay pellets only, introduce your rabbit to real grass hay, then slowly reduce the amount of pellets you keep in its cage.
Examples of healthy greens include basil, broccoli, lettuce, kale, and Swiss chard. Darker leafy greens, like kale, are more nutritious than lighter greens, like iceberg lettuce. Feed your rabbit a maximum of one cup (about 150 grams) of one item, then wait 48 hours to make sure it doesn’t cause soft cecotropes.
Use only baby cornstarch powder; don’t use talcum or flea powders. Frequent bathing will most likely be necessary during the recovery process. Dry baths are preferable, since rabbits tolerate them better than wet baths.
Lather the soiled areas gently, then drain the water. Fill the sink with warm water only and rinse away all soap residue. Alternatively you could try giving your bunny a sponge bath with a washcloth or sponge. It may tolerate this more than being submerged in water. Towel dry your rabbit after rinsing. You can also use a blow dryer on a cool setting.
Observe your rabbit (from a distance if necessary) as much as possible and note if you consistently see it eating and drinking. Inspect its cage for droppings regularly and note their appearance. Your vet will likely call you for an update or have you bring the rabbit back in for a check up. This kind of information will be important for your vet, so it’s good to have it written down and on hand.
Keep its cage in a quiet, low-traffic part of your home. Keep small children, other pets, and visitors away from it. A dirty cage can also be stressful, so be sure to keep its cage clean at all times.
