What should I do if my rabbit has wet tail or urine scalding?

Wet tail is a generic term which usually define a gastrointestinal problem. Antibiotics are often needed. Please find some differentials here: Enterotoxemia Enterotoxemia primarily affects rabbits between 4 weeks and 8 weeks old. This disease progresses rapidly and can cause death within 48 hours. The characteristic sign of this illness is green-brown explosive diarrhea. Diarrhea is so sudden and severe with this disease that it covers the anal area, giving it a wet appearance. Other symptoms include lethargy and a rough coat. Tyzzer’s Disease Tyzzer’s disease targets newly weaned rabbits up to 12 weeks old. This acute bacterial infection causes excessive watery diarrhea, anorexia, dehydration, lethargy and profuse staining of the hindquarters. Immediate veterinary care is important if you suspect your bunny has Tyzzer’s disease, as death can occur in as few as three days. Mucoid Diarrhea Mucoid diarrhea is easily indentifiable. A rabbit with this disease will produce telltale mucus-covered feces and diarrhea. She will also appear lethargic, cold and dehydrated. She may lose her appetite, have a bloated stomach or rough coat, and grind her teeth or sit with her feet in her water bowl. This disease in particular can result from environmental stress so it’s important to know your bunny and her limits when it comes to transport and playtime. Avoiding grain or milk pellets, which are associated with toxins known to cause this disease, until bunnies are at least 3 months old may help prevent mucoid diarrhea. Bladder and Urinary Tract Problems A wet tail or belly can signal infection in your rabbit’s bladder or urinary tract; she can’t control her urine, so it ends up soaking her. Bladder and urinary tract infections as well as urinary tract obstructions tend to produce the same symptoms: thick, beige or brown-colored urine, frequent, painful or difficult urination, urinating in small amounts and urinary incontinence. She may pee in places she’s never peed before. These infections can cause urine burns around your pet’s hind legs and genitals. Ouch. Peeing outside the litter box is a cry for help. Get it. The treatment of course depends on the underlying cause.

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.

Hello! This picture does look suspicious for vent disease or possibly ringworm. Vent disease is usually treated with Penicillin, but it doesn't look like it's gotten any better. It may not cured because of using too low of a dose, which can lead to antibiotic resistance and a more difficult infection to treat. This may require that a different antibiotic or a higher dose of the same one is used. If the infection is ringworm, which is another round skin lesion that commonly affects rabbit's faces and is contagious, it will only respond to anti-fungal medication, so antibiotics will not be useful. Ringworm can spread to people as well, but is fairly easily treated. Sometimes, skin mites can cause small lesions of baldness like this. We generally use puppy/kitten Revolution (flea product that also treats mites) on rabbits when we are suspicious of this. It is a very safe product, so an easy treatment to try. I would recommend a vet visit to be totally sure of what you're treating and what doses to use. I think that will get them the quickest recovery. I don't know of any fatal diseases in rabbits that present like this, so rest easy! I hope you find this helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Infection and inflammation of the skin around the vulva in female rabbits can be fairly common. So far, you did the right thing by gently cleansing the area. Your veterinarian will likely need to clip and clean the area of inflammed skin and will probably prescribe some antibiotics and possibly a topical ointment to help the skin heal. Try to keep the area as clean and dry as possible. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Hi, and thanks for your question. Even though a picture of the wound itself would help to understand better the underlying cause, this presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). An immediate check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. 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. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Thanks for reaching out about Snow white and including a picture. Washing/wiping the area with a clean, warm, wet wash cloth and maybe a little soap. Don't apply anything such as a topical antibiotic, because if Snow white ingests it, could cause gastrointestinal upset. If the damaged area becomes infected or enlarges, seek a veterinarian. Good luck.

These are always quite concerning signs in rabbits. These signs could be compatible with an inflammation infection of the gastrointestinal system and surrounding organs (like pancreas and liver). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is immediately essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics and possibly further investigations (like abdominal imaging as ultrasound or radiographs) 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. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!