You might think your rabbit has diarrhea when you see a soft pile instead of the usual round droppings. However, not every soft stool in rabbits is diarrhea. It is essential to discern whether what you've observed is a cecotroph, which is part of normal digestion, or indeed liquid feces.
True liquid diarrhea is dangerous in rabbits and should not be ignored. It can quickly worsen, especially in young rabbits or in situations accompanied by loss of appetite and lethargy.
Don't wait: If you notice liquid feces, blood, noticeable lethargy, abdominal swelling, or cessation of eating, contact your veterinarian immediately. The "let's wait until morning" approach is risky for rabbits.
Is my rabbit having diarrhea, or is the soft stool I see normal?
Rabbits produce two types of droppings. The dry, round pellets you frequently see during the day are one type. The other consists of dark, shiny, small pellets that stick together, known as cecotrophs. They sometimes resemble a tiny bunch of grapes.
Rabbits usually eat cecotrophs directly from their anus. This behavior allows them to re-utilize certain nutrients produced during digestion; it should not be discouraged.
In true diarrhea, droppings are shapeless and watery; they may spread on the ground and can wet the area under the tail. Cecotrophs that are not consumed may also get squished and stick to the fur, making it challenging to decide based solely on appearance.
Seeing a cecotroph once does not necessarily indicate illness. However, continuous accumulation, soiling of the rear area, or changes in fecal habits should be evaluated. Taking a photo and bringing a fecal sample can assist in the examination.
What causes diarrhea in rabbits?
Sudden changes in diet
Switching to a new food suddenly, giving too many unfamiliar foods, or a decrease in hay consumption can disrupt the digestive system. The foundation of rabbit nutrition should be high-quality, dry hay. Fruits and treat products do not replace hay.
When assessing the diet, simply asking "What did they eat yesterday?" is not sufficient. It is also important to note any increase in pellet quantity, the addition of a new green food, or if the rabbit has been selectively leaving hay uneaten. Transitions to new foods should be gradual.
Intestinal infections and parasites
The cause of diarrhea is not always food-related. Intestinal infections and parasitic diseases like coccidiosis should also be investigated. In coccidiosis, the causative agents can be ingested through contaminated feed and water; young rabbits are especially susceptible.
Being kept at home does not eliminate the possibility of parasites. If necessary, fecal examinations may be conducted to determine a treatment plan.
Medications used
Some antibiotics can significantly disrupt the bacterial balance in a rabbit's intestines. It is dangerous to assume that a medication that works well for another animal will also be suitable for a rabbit.
If diarrhea started during a treatment course, inform the veterinarian about the name of the medication, the amount administered, and the time of the last dose. Do not add another medication on your own.
Dental issues and changes in eating habits
A rabbit with dental issues may reduce hay intake and gravitate towards foods that are easier to eat. Therefore, when investigating fecal problems, the mouth and teeth should also be examined. If there is excessive drooling, wetness under the chin, dropping food from the mouth, or weight loss, please mention these during the examination.
Symptoms accompanying changes in appetite can also be found in our article My Rabbit Isn't Eating: Causes and Emergency Symptoms.
Why is not eating with diarrhea important?
Regular food intake is essential for maintaining intestinal movement in rabbits. Loss of appetite, dehydration, and pain can exacerbate each other; slowing of intestinal movements may occur.
Therefore, do not solely rely on the consistency of the droppings. Is your rabbit eating hay, is it as active as usual, has the amount of droppings decreased? Refusal to eat or noticeably eating less is a sufficient reason not to delay a veterinary evaluation.
What can you do until you reach the veterinarian?
Keep your rabbit in a calm and clean environment. Provide familiar high-quality hay and fresh water; do not withhold food or water to stop diarrhea.
When going for the examination, prepare the following information:
- When the change in droppings started.
- The last normal eating and defecating times.
- Any new foods given in recent days.
- Medications and supplements used.
- A photo of the droppings and, if possible, a sample in a clean container.
If there is abdominal swelling or noticeable lethargy, do not start force-feeding on your own. Antidiarrheal medications made for humans, antibiotics, and homemade mixtures do not replace the examination.
Also, pay attention to soiling under the tail. Particularly in hot weather, dirty and damp fur can create a breeding ground for flies to lay eggs. The presence of maggots on the skin requires urgent intervention.
How is the examination and treatment planned?
During the examination, fluid loss, body temperature, abdominal findings, and oral health will be evaluated. The dietary history and medications used will be determined. Depending on the findings, fecal analysis, blood tests, or imaging may be necessary.
The goal of treatment is not solely to solidify the droppings. Resolving fluid loss, controlling pain, supporting appropriate nutrition, and treating any underlying issues are all considered together. The same medication or antibiotic is not given to every rabbit.
Frequently Asked Questions
My rabbit's droppings are soft but it is active. Can I wait?
While being active is a positive sign, it does not rule out the problem. Consult the veterinarian for recurring soft droppings. If true liquid feces are present, do not wait for lethargy to start.
Is diarrhea more dangerous in young rabbits?
Yes. Problems related to nutrition and intestinal infections can be severe in young rabbits. When liquid diarrhea is noticed, examination must occur without delay.
Does eating its own droppings cause diarrhea in a rabbit?
Eating normal cecotropes is a natural part of digestion. It is not correct to prevent this behavior.
Should I withhold food from a rabbit with diarrhea?
No. Do not remove hay and water. If the rabbit is not eating voluntarily, determine the feeding method with the veterinarian.
Can diarrhea spread to other rabbits?
It depends on the cause. Some infections and parasites can be contagious; not every fecal abnormality is infectious. Inform your veterinarian about the conditions of other rabbits living in the same environment.
Diarrhea assessment in rabbits in Kağıthane
At Çeliktepe Veterinary Clinic, rabbit and exotic animal examinations assess changes in feces, loss of appetite, and gastrointestinal complaints. You can contact our clinic for an examination.
Çeliktepe Veterinary Clinic — Veterinarian Miraç Gürbüz
Çeliktepe Mahallesi, Buhara Sokak No:8/A, Kağıthane / İstanbul
Phone: 0212 923 10 24
Working hours: Every day 09:30–22:00
This article is for general information; it does not replace a veterinary examination. Medication and nutritional support should be determined by the veterinarian based on the patient's condition.
