by Angie Pollock

Created on: February 28, 2009

Hutch burn in rabbits is sometimes referred to as urine scald. This preventable disorder is typically caused by poor hutch cleanliness by rabbit owners. When the floor of the hutch becomes unsanitary from urine, the rabbit sits in the urine causing the anal area to become irritated. Hutches made from wood floors are the most common floor type that becomes a problem with rabbits.

Rabbits that experience incontinence or have inadequate sphincter control are also at risk of contracting hutch burn as the bladder continuously leaks urine where the rabbit is sitting. When a rabbit is forced to sit on a urine-soaked hutch floor, the rectal area can become red and chapped. Over a period of time, the infected area can form sores which may be covered with brownish crusts or scabs.

Hutch burn can sometimes be mistaken for treponematosis which forms lesions in the genital area. Treponematosis is caused by the bacteria Treponema paraluis cuniculi (T cuniculi) which is related to Treponema pallidum, the cause of syphilis in humans. However, treponematosis is not transferable to other animals including humans. This disease resembles hutch burn as it also forms sores in the genital and rectal area that can scab over. A veterinarian can perform tests to diagnose if a rabbit is suffering from treponematosis.

The treatment for hutch burn is comparable to treating severe diaper rash in babies and is completely curable with proper treatment. The infected area should be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Petroleum jelly and corn starch can be applied to the area to help repel any moisture.

For severe cases, a rabbit should be treated by a qualified rabbit veterinarian. Bacterial infections can follow serious cases of hutch burn which can even spread to the face and nose area. In these acute circumstances, a veterinarian can prescribe a topical antibiotic to clear the infection.

Preventing hutch burn should be a priority for rabbit owners. A rabbit hutch should be properly cleaned on a regular basis with bleach and allowed to dry before a rabbit is allowed back on the hutch floor. Thoroughly sanitize the hutch more often during the warm, summer months to help prevent flies. Dirty bedding should be washed or exchanged for new bedding on a regular basis. If bedding becomes wet, remove it from the hutch and allow it to fully dry before placing it back into the hutch.

If the rabbit dumps their water bowl continuously, consider changing to a rabbit bottle that hangs on the side of the cage. A hutch needs proper ventilation but should be free of drafts especially during the winter months. It is important for the overall health of a rabbit to keep their environment sanitized which doesn't require much time and can prevent future problems like hutch burn.

References:

VETERINARY GUIDE FOR ANIMAL OWNERS, by C.E. Spaulding, D.V.M and Jackie Clay, copyright 1998.

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