Why does my rabbit smell like skunk, especially near his genitals?

I have never heard anyone describe this type of smell before in reference to their rabbit's cage. The best I can tell you is to be sure to clean the cage frequently and be sure you are using an appropriate substrate. I suggest you use something like Carefresh. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Carefresh-29785-10ltr-Ultra/dp/B005AIPPVQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1518100256&sr=8-1&keywords=carefresh+animal+bedding The smell could be his urine. If that is the case, it could be related to his diet. Be sure you are feeding him correctly and a good, high quality diet (like Oxbow). The majority of his diet should be hay. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Oxbow-Organic-Rabbit-Animal-Health/dp/B018OJ044U/ref=sr_1_10?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1518100407&sr=1-10&keywords=oxbow+rabbit https://www.amazon.co.uk/Oxbow-Hay-Blends-2-55-kg/dp/B06XYCQ4JK/ref=sr_1_11?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1518100407&sr=1-11&keywords=oxbow+rabbit Make sure he has plenty of fresh water available. If he is dehydrated the urine can get very concentrated causing a strong odor. Monitor this smell going forward and if it persists then I suggest you get him to a vet for an exam. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

With the majority of the changes to the skin occurring around the back legs, this could have started with some kind of a urinary issue. Urine that gets onto the skin can be very irritating, can smell badly, and the hair can fall out. You didn't mention what the skin under the fur looked like, but often the skin can become painful, red, and infected. I would recommend that you take Willie in for evaluation by a veterinarian. They can evaluate the skin and may take a few samples to evaluate under the microscope. If your veterinarian suspects that there may be a urinary issue, they may recommend collecting a urine sample to evaluate (a urinalysis), and blood work to evaluate systemic health. Depending on the veterinary clinic, they may also be able to bathe Willie for you, as this can be stressful for rabbits. Please don't give Willie any human medications, or apply any medications to his skin, as these can be harmful for our rabbit friends. I hope that gives you a place to start, and good luck!

It may be inflammation and/or infection due to urine scalding. Ideally, he should be examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating rabbits for diagnosis and treatment. You can use plain, unscented baby wipes or pet wipes to gently clean his abdominal area. Do not bathe him as it can be stressful and may complicate any underlying condition. Use the wipes and dry him thoroughly afterwards Keep him on clean, dry bedding or soft towels and change them frequently.

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.

Separate him for now just in case it is infectious. Snuffles is extremely contagious. Have Ollie examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating rabbits. A culture of the discharge can be collected and submitted for culture to identify the bacteria responsible for snuffles (Pasteurella spp or Staphylococcus spp). Treatment can be administered as indicated.

It appears to be local infection or irritation. Keep the area clean and dry. Monitor Baby for excessive grooming in that area. If it doesn't resolve in a few days or if it worsens, have him examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating rabbits.

The stress of the bath or whatever condition precipitated the vet last week may be responsible. Discontinue feeding pellets and vegetables and feed solely Timothy hay or similar grasses. Feed as much hay as Oliver wants to eat. Do not feed any alfalfa. Once his droppings return to normal, feed no more than 1/8 cup of pellets daily and gradually introduce small amounts of vegetables or dark, leafy greens. You can continue to offer as much timothy hay as he wants. Rabbits need a high fiber diet. If the symptoms persist or if he stops eating, have him rechecked by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating rabbits.