Super pooper

[Baileyboy]

Hi, I have an 8 week old bun who has been doing great. But he has been having really gooey poops for the last two days and LOTS of them. they started quite loose, but have firmed up today, but they are still soft. He has them all over his backside and his legs, and as i’m typing he has left me a few on my lap! any ideas what this might be? he has plenty of hay and pellets. he seems to be eating ok and is still running around like a fruit cake.

[Sarita]

You need to have a vet check her out and check for coccidia which is done with a fecal and it is fatal in baby rabbits and it could possibly that – do the vet check and fecal test first and foremost.

[Beka27]

I responded to your other post also suggesting he be checked for coccidia.

[3 buns mom]

I agree with the other posts! Definitely have him checked out. Are you feeding him any veggies? If so, that could be the culprit if he is getting too many too soon.

[Baileyboy]

Hi, no, no veggies yet. he does’nt seem to be eating much in the way of hay, so i’ve bought a different type to see if he’ll eat that. i’m wondering if because he’s not eating enough hay, he’s not getting the roughage and fibre he needs to bind him up? failing that, a trip to the vets it is.

[Beka27]

A trip to the vet is the first priority. All new buns needs to have a baseline exam, and especially since he’s already showing symptoms of something being wrong. Coccidia is extremely common in baby buns. It is easily treatable if caught in time, but it is fatal if left too long.

Here is an article about “Rabbit Poop” from rabbit expert, Dr. Dana Krempels: http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/poop.html

There is a lot of info about runny poops in baby buns, but here is a small snippet. Click the link above for the full article.

Runny Stool: When Things Go Wrong

True diarrhea (unformed, watery feces) is relatively rare in adult rabbits. It can be caused by intestinal parasites, such as coccidia (Eimeria spp.), roundworms, tapeworms, or anything that inflames the intestinal lining. Your rabbit-experienced veterinarian will be able to examine a fecal sample (you should probably provide the vet with a fresh sample both fecal and cecal pellets, if possible) to examine them for signs of parasitic infection. More often, true diarrhea is seen in infant and juvenile rabbits.

Diarrhea in Baby Rabbits: A Life-Threatening Emergency

One of the most common signs associated with sudden death in baby rabbits is diarrhea, which can appear very quickly and kill in a matter of hours. Thus, it is of vital importance that any baby rabbit showing signs of lethargy, inappetence (not wanting to eat), or runny stool be taken immediately to an experienced rabbit veterinarian for emergency, life-saving treatment. Delaying even for an hour or two can mean the difference between life and death.

This is not something you can take a “wait and see” approach with. If your bunny was older (an adult over a year old), improper diet would likely be the culprit. But at such a young age, chances are it is an intestinal parasite. Do you have a rabbit vet yet? If not, we may be able to help direct you to some resources in your area.

[Sarita]

Totally agree with Beka – vet visit first and foremost for a baby bunny. Having a fecal test is necessary and urgent.

[Baileyboy]

well, after a long search, have found a vet that deals with ‘exotic’ pets, as buns are known as here in spain. hopefully all will be well. fingers crossed.

[Sarita]

That’s great! I’m glad to hear that – let us know what the vet says.

[Beka27]

Very glad to hear this! Fortunately, rabbits as house pets are becoming more and more mainstream, so you can usually find a qualified vet anywhere in the world. Definitely keep us posted on how he is!

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