Watery diarrhoea in rabbits
True watery diarrhoea — liquid faeces, not soft caecotrophs — is an emergency in rabbits, particularly in young ones, where it can be rapidly life-threatening. Causes include infection, diet upset, and antibiotic reactions. Call a rabbit-savvy vet now, keep your rabbit warm and the rear clean to prevent flystrike, and do not give anti-diarrhoeal medicines without veterinary direction.
Fast answer for owners
- Go now if: Watery diarrhoea in a young rabbit (any amount); Diarrhoea with lethargy, cold ears, or not eating; A soiled, fly-prone rear in warm weather.
- Call today if: A single soft, formed dropping with an otherwise well rabbit; Soft caecotrophs (different from diarrhoea).
- Do not: Ask the vet before giving medicines, forced feeding, home remedies, or delaying care.
- Tell the vet: Record last eating, drinking, droppings, urination, behaviour change, pain signs, temperature, toxins, trauma, and medications.
Go to a vet now if
- Watery diarrhoea in a young rabbit (any amount)
- Diarrhoea with lethargy, cold ears, or not eating
- A soiled, fly-prone rear in warm weather
Call a vet today if
- A single soft, formed dropping with an otherwise well rabbit
- Soft caecotrophs (different from diarrhoea)
What to tell the vet
- Whether it's truly watery vs soft caecotrophs
- Your rabbit's age
- Energy and temperature
- Recent diet, treats, or antibiotics
- Appetite and other droppings
- Weight and conditions
What not to do
- Do not give human anti-diarrhoeal medicine
- Do not withhold hay or water
- Do not delay, especially for a young rabbit
What your vet may check
Your vet may assess hydration, test a stool sample, and look for infection or diet/antibiotic causes, providing fluids and supportive care.
Recovery support after veterinary assessment
After assessment, your vet may recommend a hay-based diet and digestion support such as RodiCare Dia to support gut regulation during recovery.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between diarrhoea and soft caecotrophs?
Caecotrophs are soft nutrient droppings rabbits normally eat; finding them stuck to fur is a diet issue. True diarrhoea is liquid faeces and is an emergency, especially in young rabbits.
Why is diarrhoea so dangerous in young rabbits?
Young rabbits dehydrate and decline extremely fast with diarrhoea. It needs immediate veterinary care.
Can antibiotics cause rabbit diarrhoea?
Some antibiotics are dangerous to rabbits and can disrupt the gut. Only ever use antibiotics prescribed by a rabbit-savvy vet, and report any diarrhoea promptly.
Related emergency guides
Sources & standards
Emergency guidance follows RWAF, House Rabbit Society, and exotic small-mammal medicine standards, source-cited and pending named veterinary review.
Related pages in this emergency hub
Source-cited guidance; pending named veterinary review.