Brown scab things under genitals

[angelcries]

I recently adopted another rabbit from the rescue league. However they had no info about the rabbit other then its a lionhead with a tattoo in its ear. While sexing I noticed there are these brown scab looking things on each side of its genitals. It is believed to be a young female. What are these? Should I be concerned. We will be visiting the vet for check up soon. Thanks

 

[aurora369]

What you are seeing is most likely her scent glands. A dark reddish brown waxy substance develops in a rabbits scent glands.

You can gently clean it out using q-tips and a bit of baby oil (or olive oil) or warm water. Use the water or oil to loosen the waxy and gently work it out of the fold of skin.

Beware, it is going to stink! It smells like rotten onions. But, it is a normal thing and just needs to be checked and cleaned every once and a while. Some bunnies never need their glands cleaned and others need them cleaned frequently.

-Dawn

 

[angelcries]

I have had rabbits my whole life and never knew that! I did clean her off last night and it did smell horrible!! Thanks for the info...

 

[aurora369]

Glad I could help.

Yes, scent gland stink! Some rabbits seem to need them cleaned and others do a good job of keeping them clean themselves.

If a rabbit is overweight, they may have problems reaching their genitals easily for cleaning. Others are just lazy and some just have really active glands.

-Dawn

 

[tonyshuman]

In rare cases, they can become impacted with lots of gunk too.

 

[angelcries]

I guess she must be lazy cause she is really thin. She was dumped at the animal rescue league as a stray and was not taken care of. She is pretty thin.But I will get her healthy and happy soon!

 

[tonyshuman]

It's not at all uncommon for bunnies to have yucky stuff there, especially if they've never been cleaned. My guys don't do it themselves and I've only come across two or so at the shelter that were all clean and tidy.