Rabbit Care: Understanding Blood In The Urine
Rabbits can have blood in their urine for a number of reasons, and common causes include a bacterial infection within the bladder, blood clotting disorders, bladder stones and high levels of calcium in the rabbit's blood. Here's an overview of the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment approach for blood in the urine:
Symptoms
In addition to noticing blood stains on your rabbit's fur and toileting area, you may notice your rabbit's abdomen is swollen and tender to the touch. If your rabbit has kidney stones, they may present as small lumps that can be felt if the abdomen is pressed gently. Additionally, clotting disorders can cause your rabbit to bruise easily, and as passing urine can be painful, your rabbit may stop eating and drinking, which can lead to dehydration.
Diagnosis And Treatment Approach
Your vet will take details of your rabbit's symptoms and health history and carry out a physical examination. They will work to establish the cause of the bleeding, so that treatment can be tailored to the specific needs of your rabbit. Blood tests will be carried out to check for high levels of calcium, clotting problems and raised inflammatory markers, which can be indicative of an infection. Urine samples will be used to check for dehydration and bacterial infection. If your vet suspects your rabbit has bladder stones, they will carry out an endoscopy. This a diagnostic imaging procedure that involves inserting a flexible tube with a camera attached to into your rabbit's bladder cavity. They can take images of the bladder and tissue biopsies for analysis.
Treatment will depend on the established cause of the bleeding, but intravenous fluids will be administered if your rabbit is dehydrated. If excess calcium is causing the bleeding, dietary changes will be required, and your vet may recommend a specific brand of food for your rabbit. Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics, but your rabbit may need a lengthy course of antibiotics if the infection has been present for some time. Coagulants are prescribed for clotting disorders, and your rabbit may need to take these drugs for the rest of their life. If your rabbit has bladder stones, surgery will be required to remove the stones, as they may cause a blockage in your rabbit's urinary tract. Blockages are painful and can lead to an infection high up in the urinary tract, which is difficult to treat.
If your rabbit is passing blood in their urine, schedule an appointment with your vet as soon as possible to prevent them experiencing unnecessary discomfort. Click here for more information on how veterinary services can help you!