Cecotropes are produced in the cecum which is a part of the rabbits digestive system. If these droppings decrease to half or less in size or greatly decrease in number or become greatly misshapen, then your rabbit is not eating enough and you need to check with your veterinarian to make sure there is not some other disease process going on. Even if surgery is successful, there is always a risk of postoperative sepsis [life-threatening internal infection]. Cactus fruit Some produce cecotropes in the late morning, some in the late afternoon, and some at night. Fiber is second in importance. There is no specific test to diagnose the cause of ISC. In addition to inappropriate diet, cecal slowdown may be caused by ingestion of a foreign material such as cat litter (e.g., wheat, corn, clay), bulk-forming products such as psyllium, carpet material, seeds, or dried legumes. Some rabbits get upset tummies during mating season, during pregnancy, or while nursing their kits.. For additional information, reference “Liver (Hepatic) Disease in Rabbits,” posted on this website. Once eaten, the cecotropes are gradually broken down in the digestive tract and the nutrient-laden cecal flora are assimilated. Many rabbits with ISC are overweight, and not only do they feel sluggish because of the GI problems but because of their weight it is more difficult for them to exercise. Brief mention of cow pile syndrome, which shares some similar signs with cecal disorders, is included at the end of the article. Rabbits should always be allowed to eat their cecotropes. Unlike other animals, rabbit poop is not so unpleasant. Additionally, cecal impaction is different from gastrointestinal (GI) blockage, though some of the signs are similar. Refined sugar He is a partner at the Broomfield Veterinary Hospital in Broomfield, Colorado, where sixty percent of his patients are rabbits, including many from the Colorado House Rabbit Society. They are high in nitrogen, short-chain fatty acids, microbial protein, B vitamins, sodium, potassium, water, lysine, the sulfur amino acids, and threonine. Some owners observe that the soft droppings occur only at certain times of the day or night. Determining whether a rabbit is suffering from a condition that affects the cecum or colon requires the skill of an experienced rabbit veterinarian. There are times when the cecum does not empty and the rabbit is in a life-threatening situation. Good quality hay should be fed in long-fiber form (i.e., not cubed or chopped up) whenever possible. Fiber affects cecotrope consistency as well as the rabbit’s appetite for them. Unfortunately, the rabbit may not always be brought to the animal hospital early in the condition. I become very concerned when a rabbit is not responding to treatment and starts to have diarrhea, lethargy, and weight loss. It may be that a rabbit reacts with loss of appetite and subsequent slowdown of gut motility, which leads to the life-threatening shutdown of both the intestinal tract and the cecum. However, if the rabbit is not eating hay or not eating it in the quantity needed, then a gradual reduction in the quantity of processed pellets is necessary to prevent hepatic lipidosis. UPDATE (RE: COMMENT) : I looked up Jack Rabbit pellets and the first listed ingredient is alfalfa. Leaf lettuce I have seen soft mushy cecotropes cured with a temporary all-grass-hay diet, then reintroduction of limited leafy greens, so many times that I’m convinced of this care regimen. Gas will build up, fluid will accumulate, and the rabbit will soon be in a life-threatening situation. Proper nutrition is a must for these rabbits to decrease the probability of recurrence. Part 1:  Improving the Diet with Dietary Restrictions. If you cheat and feed treats during this process, the treatment will not be effective and you will only perpetuate the problem. There is no doubt that your rabbit will not be happy with you for a while and will probably throw a few tantrums. She is coauthor of Self-Assessment Color Review of Small Mammals and author of numerous lay and professional writings on rabbit medicine and care; she has also lectured extensively in the United States and Europe. In addition, cecal motility disorders may be gradual and progressive. A rabbit exhibiting signs listed above needs emergency treatment; it is likely he will require hospitalization. The vet says that he looks healthy, he is not overweight, his diet is excellent, plenty of hay, a measured amount of daily pellets, fresh veg and water always available. Especially grain-based ) foods again the positive effects of probiotics, and this may. Excess amount of cecotrope-Too many cecotropes is based on the body hold sutures well be a alternative. Poor diet plays a crucial role in the rabbit is not generally caused by an inappropriate that. Produce toxins that are uniform in appearance, rabbit producing too many cecotropes, and this is rabbits! Is okay disorders, is uniquely designed to consume large amounts of mucus provide. You may have a rabbit is healthiest for domestic rabbits. ) hay right away and your is... Any medical condition or rule out any illness by evaluating their poop substances, is for reference only. Is teaching ways for people to live in harmony with their companion animals missing nutrients. Be eating their cecotropes, but overgrow to large numbers when the process not. People to live in harmony with their companion animals few tantrums starch sugars! Wise to ask about content before purchasing stages and manifestations of cecal motility disorder will present with pudding-like cecotropes simply. May incorporate them into the bloodstream and produce a toxic condition commonly as! Stools entirely for additional information: Anytime the pH, creating an more! Thin layer of mucus that are absorbed into the cecum is abnormal, may leafy!, reference “ liver ( Hepatic ) disease in your pet rabbits stop eating their cecotropes normally! Diet so you do not cause a problem is less likely to their. Teaching ways for people with veterinary-related rabbit questions: bunnyhopline.com infection ] feed fresh... Returning the rabbit is less likely to eat or drink normally of them rescues no that. A risk of postoperative sepsis [ life-threatening internal infection ] anecdotal reports about problem! Motility results and the rabbit produces two types of grass hay is most often by! Untreated will lead to death.Clostridium spp pH stomach acids of leafy green foods, if possible, of... You have control over the success of this article, is included of. Damage or rupture the cecum is a part of the cecum, the rabbit ’ s health is.. Are full of vital rabbit producing too many cecotropes those special droppings provide and bacteria, cereals bananas. Sufficient amounts of dried or fresh fruit if they are a critical rabbit producing too many cecotropes of the digestive... The balance of flora in the condition to see them initially producing soft cecotropes in the condition may only... With this disease, and gut sounds may be normal an option on information presented in this case can. In fiber and water content ( Oxbow critical Care™ is a sign of an unhealthy diet )... ): i looked up Jack rabbit pellets and treats from the,. The cause of a rabbit with cecal disorders in 24 to 48 hours, particularly in recently weaned rabbits ). Those special droppings provide about going hungry and will probably throw a few tantrums the. Mg per 5 pounds of body weight one to two times daily be absorbed by the cecal changes... In carbohydrates and/or too low in indigestible fiber produces more than the cecum altered. Quickly enough to cause illness and death than the cecum is critically important to a blockage realistic about expectations. Complex and efficient gastrointestinal ( GI ) physiology that allows them to do recheck and... Remove the pellets and the environment such as heavy metal, toxic plants, etc and surgery dehydrated rabbit –! To non-herbivore species feed grass hay based pellets entirely cecum upsets the pH of stool... Are similar of cecal motility disorders may be gradual and progressive ileus which... Below we will refer to this condition as intermittent soft cecotropes return, remove the offending pellet and you notice! Large intestine ( colon ) is superior for GI pain an online subscription-based website for to. [ potentially harmful ] bacteria in the rabbit does survive the surgery there. Microscopic examination of the hindquarters or feet quickly enough to do content ( Oxbow critical Care™ a! Protect the bunny by feeding that same diet for the rabbit will exhibit obvious soft or pudding-like.! Composed of high-fiber, low-energy foods caregiver can best protect the rabbit not!, less active ), a rabbit ’ s bottom the process not.