Painful and Frequent Urination in Rabbits

PetMD Editorial

Published May 13, 2010

Dysuria and Pollakiuria in Rabbits

The urinary bladder normally serves as a reservoir for urine as it is excreted by the kidneys. The bladder stores the urine temporarily, periodically releasing/disposing the urine that is stored there. Inflammation of the lower urinary tract may decrease bladder tone and alter the structure of the bladder, resulting in sensations of bladder fullness, urgency, and pain. Dysuria (painful urination) and pollakiuria (frequent urination) are usually caused by lesions in the lower urinary tracts but may also be indicative of upper bladder disorders or other organ involvement.

Symptoms and Types

Frequent trips to the litter box
Urination outside of the litter box
Urinating when picked up by owners
Blood in the urine
Thick, white, or tan colored urine
Loss of appetite, weight loss
Lethargy
Tooth grinding
Straining for stools and urination
Hunched posture in rabbits with chronic or obstructive lower urinary tract diseases
Tender abdomen

Causes

Abnormally high levels of calcium
Kidney stones
Urinary tract infection(s)
Reproductive conditions
Trauma
Injury
Obesity

Diagnosis

You will need to give a thorough history of your rabbit's health, onset of symptoms, and possible incidents that might have led to this condition. Your veterinarian will need to differentiate from other abnormal urination patterns. A complete blood profile will be performed, including a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count and a urinalysis. The urinalysis may find the presence of infection or pus and blood in the urine, and the blood analysis may find increased levels of blood calcium. Alternatively, the blood count and urinalysis may return normal results.

Other diagnostic tests may include abdominal X-rays, ultrasound, and a contrast study of the bladder and urinary tract – which uses a minimally invasive technique - an injection of a radiopaque/radiocontrasting agent into the space, so that it can be viewed in order to improve visibility on X-ray.

Treatment

Patients with urinary tract diseases without an obstruction are typically managed as outpatients, while rabbits with more severe forms of the diseases will warrant hospitlization, especially when multiple body systems are failing. Medication will also depend on the severity of the disease(s). Antibiotics and pain relievers, for example, are often prescribed, but must be given with caution.