Wet/Watery Poop!!!

[Shannon Watson]

This is never a post I thought I’d have to make, but here we are!

Appa, my mini Rex buck, is about 3 months old and just had his very first vet appointment while in our care. The vet clipped his nails for us and did what seemed like every test under the sun to determine the status of his health. She told us he’s perfectly healthy! We brought in his stool and pellets to show her what he’s eating and passing, and it’s all normal for him.

However! Today, during Appa’s regularly scheduled run time, I found a bigger piece of slightly misshapen, wetter than normal poop. And right next to it, a couple tiny pieces of runny, watery poop. I immediately panicked, scooped up the poop into a plastic bag, and was off to my vet with my bun.

Unfortunately, our regular exotics vet was not there at the time, as it was about 9:30pm. The nurse told us she got in contact with her and said if Appa is still eating fine, playing fine, and acting normal, that we should monitor his poops and if it continues, then to bring him in again. She saved me some money, but I’m not worried about that at all. I’m worried about waking up in the morning and finding my baby boy has gone because I didn’t get him the treatment he needs.

We recently introduced green leaf lettuce into his diet, but I have since taken it out after the runny poop. I’m wondering if that would have any affect on his feces?

I also happened to stress him out a bit on accident. He was messing with his front leg a bunch and I was curious as to why, so I gently lifted him like I always do to place him on my lap while sitting on the ground. I lifted his front paw, and he ran right off my legs, thumped the ground next to me, and then ran off to hide in his little hideout for a bit. He seemed 100% fine after a few minutes and went back to running around and eating hay like normal.

I’ve heard of ISC in younger rabbits, but the more watery poop is what is really bugging me. Anyone with any similar experiences with their rabbit’s poop or anyone know what might be happening with Appa’s? Thank you so much

 

[Imbrium]

There was a time, many years ago, when I never dreamed I'd ask this question, lol... but can you post a picture of the poop in question? Also, how long ago did you stop giving him the lettuce and has he had any more runny/watery poop since you eliminated it from his diet?

Given that your vet isn't concerned, my recommendation is to temporarily eliminate all fruits/veggies from his diet. If he's getting unlimited pellets (which is technically "ok" at his age), cut back to no more than 2x what his adult ration will be (based on his expected adult weight). For most rabbit breeds, this means about half a cup of pellets a day (more for large breeds, obviously). I would split the pellets between two feedings (like am and pm) so he's not scarfing them down all at once... and, of course, unlimited hay (by the way, are you feeding grass hay, alfalfa hay or a mix of the two?). If you feel inclined to pick up some small animal probiotics (like BeneBac), that never hurts when there's signs of digestive upset.

Assuming the above steps fix the poop issues within a few days, stick with the reduced pellet amount and then gradually start introducing leafy green veggies one at a time again (starting with a small amount and gradually increasing the amount over the course of 3-4 days), watching closely for any changes in poop. If the watery poop happens again when you try (or increase the quantity of) green leaf lettuce (or any other veggie), then you'll have found the culprit and you can just avoid the problem veggie(s) in the future.

 

[JBun]

If it was just one tiny single messy poop and your rabbit is continuing to eat, drink, poop, and behave normally otherwise, then I wouldn't think too much of it. They can sometimes get a bad piece of hay, eat a crumb off the floor that upsets their stomach, or eat a veggie that might have been slightly off, and this can cause a minor poop abnormality. If you had just fed the lettuce the day before, that could possibly be the cause, if it was wilted at all, too much was introduced too quickly, or your bun could just be sensitive.

I only worry if it's more than a very small amount of abnormal poop, continues to happen, and/or there is a change of eating or behavior. Then that can certainly be a great cause of concern where dietary changes are needed, or a vet visit is necessary and may even be an emergency situation.

 

[Shannon Watson]

Thank you guys for your help! I took him back to the vet just to be sure he was okay. She examined the poop and determined that he probably just ate something that upset his little tummy. My little trouble-maker is just fine.