How often should I clean my rabbit's scent glands and is it necessary?

Thanks for reaching out about Loaf and including photos. This appears to be a scent gland, which is partially impacted. A moistened warm washcloth can be used to gently clean out this material. If the problems recurs, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Bunshushu. What you are describing sounds like peri-rectal scent glands. The black tarry accumulation is often the oil from the gland and can be gently cleaned with a warm wet washcloth. The yellowish discharge is probably front the scent gland also, and can be normal. Keep an eye on it. Contact your veterinarian again if you continue to be concerned. Good luck.

Hi and thank you for the question, This is not normal and usually happens when a rabbit cannot clean himself (e.g. due to obesity, spinal pain etc.) and/or because of diarrhea. I recommend that you have him checked. As to local care, It is best to wash the area well with water, possibly shave it and it may require systemic antibiotics if it is inflamed. Again, these things are best done by a vet. I don't recommend diaper cream. Regards

Yes. This is normal anatomy for a male rabbit. They can get pretty stinky though, so cleaning them occasionally if you start to notice a smell is a good idea. Just gently soak with warm water and cotton balls to clean. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

Thank you for your question about the boys - they are so cute! Your question does not have a completely straightforward answer, unfortunately. Every male is different, and some do a better job at cleaning their grease glands than others. I would recommend cleaning it when you see discoloration around the area on your white piggie, and then when you feel like there is build up. You can clean it gently with a warm, wet washcloth. Alternatively, with castration the grease gland will decrease its production. I hope that helps to answer your question, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hi, good for you for noticing the problem. You can flush out the bunny's ear safely by using a saline solution, like eye wash. Squirt a few drops into his ear and massage the base of it, then let him shake his head to remove debris.Them once it it moist, carefully use Q tips to remove any stuck debris. Be careful not to push any back into the ear canal. You may need to flush it a few times to get it all out. Some bunnies need to have their ears cleaned regularly. If you notice any smell, redness or pus like discharge, take him to a vet. Good luck, I hope this helps!

Usually not, diarrhoea in rabbits is always a quite concerning signs and gastrointestinal inflammation/infections should be always on top of the list of possible differentials. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.