For a few years now, the presence of rabbits as pets in our homes has become more and more common. If we decide to share life with one of these small animals, we must inform ourselves of the care it needs to provide it with a long and happy life. We also have to know the most frequent pathologies that we can face in order, if necessary, to act effectively. In this article on our site we will focus on explaining what to do if your rabbit urinates blood
Hematuria in rabbits
Hematuria is the name given to the presence of blood in the urine A reddish color is not enough to diagnose it, since, in the In this case, we can think that our rabbit urinates blood when it is nothing more than a pigmentation produced by certain foods, such as carrots, beets or tomatoes. Therefore, to ensure the diagnosis, we must go to the vet
The simplest thing is to make a urine strip, for which we will have to get a sample. The easiest way is to empty the hygienic tray and collect the urine with a syringe that we must take to the veterinary clinic as quickly as possible (if we do not go immediately, it is kept refrigerated for a few hours). If this is not the case, the veterinarian will take the sample directly from the bladder
The urine strip will mark or not the presence of blood. If this is confirmed, the veterinarian will carry out more tests to reach the diagnosis, since, as we will see, there are several causes that can make a rabbit urinate blood. These tests will include the urine culture, the blood test, X-ray or ultrasound.
Causes of hematuria in rabbits
It is most likely that the haematuria is caused by some urinary tract disease, this being the reason why a rabbit urinates blood. It will usually be accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty urinating, abdominal pain, with an abdomen that may appear distended if the bladder is enlarged, perineal dermatitis due to passed urine, anorexia or lethargy. Probable illnesses include the following:
- Urolithiasis or stones, which are formed from any mechanical obstruction of the urinary tract (tumor, excess calcium), with the help from factors such as diet or a decrease in water intake. These stones can be detected on an x-ray. Treatment will depend on the severity of the clinical picture and the location and size of the uroliths. You should control the diet and try to eliminate them. A treatment based on analgesics and antibiotics stipulated by the specialist is usually needed. In addition, if there is renal failure, the appropriate protocol for its stabilization must be initiated.
- Hypercalciuria or excess calcium in the urine deposited in the bladder. The most characteristic sign is muddy urine. The bladder is enlarged and tender on palpation. An x-ray can confirm the diagnosis. The treatment will depend on the severity of the case, but it will inevitably go through correcting all the environmental factors, since these are the ones that cause excess calcium in the body. Therefore, we must pay attention to food and increase water intake to encourage urination, even resorting to fluid therapy, if necessary. In addition, pain relievers and antibiotics may be needed.
As we can see, these disorders are based on calcium. Rabbit kidneys are capable of excreting or concentrating this element according to their metabolic needs. Its excretion in the urine will be proportional to its intake, hence the importance of offering a adequate food, since the objective is to prevent our rabbit from urinating blood, before have to treat an illness. In addition to the food, the environment, with special attention to the supply of water, has to be correct. Let's get information from our specialized veterinarian.
Hematuria in females
In the case of females, a female rabbit urinating blood may be due to a pathology of the reproductive systemAlthough genital tumors also form in males, it is in females that problems in the uterus such as pyometras (infections) or tumors such as adenocarcinoma occur more frequently. In fact, such is the incidence that it is recommended to sterilize rabbits over 6 months of age and before 2 years of age. From the age of 3 the risks skyrocket. This surgery should be performed by a veterinarian experienced in rabbits.
