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Abscesses
Emergency Kit Have questions or comments? |
Urinary Tract Problems Rabbit urine can range in colour from clear to yellow to red to rust to orange. Colour variation is normal, and not a cause for concern unless it is accompanied by other, troublesome signs such as straining to urinate, fever, sudden changes in water consumption, excessive or lack of urination, or loss of litterbox habits. These signs may be indicative of such problems as urinary tract infection, sludge (hypercalcinuria) or stones (calculi).
Sludge and stones are comprised primarily of calcium, which rabbits metabolize differently than other animals. In very basic terms, most animals absorb only as much calcium from their diet as they need. The excess is excreted through the feces. Rabbits, on the other hand, absorb calcium in direct proportion to their calcium intake, regardless of how much calcium their bodies need at the time. Excess calcium is excreted through the urine in the form of calcium carbonate. This excess calcium is what causes a rabbit's urine to sometimes dry white and chalky. Generally, white chalky urine residue is not a problem, and does not indicate sludge. True sludge causes darker, grayish, thick and gritty residue. It is not clear why some rabbits develop sludge while others do not. For rabbits prone to sludge and stones, it may be beneficial to reduce dietary calcium, although dietary calcium is just one factor that might lead to sludge and stones. Genetics, water intake and infrequent urination, among other things, also can lead to this condition. Treatments UTI: To accurately diagnose a urinary tract infection, a urinalysis (to detect abnormal cells, as well as the chemical composition of the urine) should be performed. Depending upon the results of the urinalysis, the veterinarian should also perform a culture and sensitivity test to identify any bacteria present in the urine as well as determine which antibiotic(s) the bacteria is sensitive to. Urine can be collected in several ways:
Sludge: Sometimes you will be able to see gritty puddles of sludge in your rabbit's litter box after urination. Other times, sludge can only be diagnosed by an x-ray. Sludge is usually treated by administering sub-q fluids or by a bladder flush. Because sludge crystals are sharp and can scratch the urethra, pain medication is sometimes prescribed. As well, sludge is sometimes accompanied by an infection, for which an antibiotic should be prescribed (as determined by the result of a culture and sensitivity test). If the rabbit cannot urinate sufficiently on its own, the bladder may have to be manually expressed by a veterinarian during treatment. Stones: Very small stones may be passed during urination, but larger stones require surgical removal. Stones are diagnosed by x-ray or ultrasound. RELATED ARTICLES: Sludge and Stones: Calcium: Kidney Failure: |
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Note
that red urine does not necessarily mean that presence of blood in the
urine. Many bunny owners mistake porphyrinuria (pigment in the urine that
results from plants that the rabbit may have eaten) for blood in the urine.
Often, the amount of blood in the urine is so small that it can only be
detected by using a urine dipstick or by checking it under a microscope.
Blood in the urine can indicate a urinary tract infection, sludge or,
in unspayed females, uterine cancer/disease.