A UTI in a Rabbit

Urinary tract infections in rabbits are caused by bacteria in the urine. This condition is often accompanied by a number of different symptoms. A veterinarian can diagnose the infection and prescribe a course of treatment.

  1. Symptoms

    • The symptoms of urinary tract infection vary. Some rabbits urinate frequently and excessively. Other rabbits strain when they urinate, go very little or do not go at all. Some rabbits even become incontinent. Incontinent rabbits sometimes develop urine scald, which is a condition characterized by the loss of fur in the genital and hindquarter regions caused by dribbling or sitting in urine.

    Causes

    • According to the PetPlace.com website, a disorder called calciuria causes some urinary tract infections. Calciuria is a condition in which there is too much calcium in the urinary tract. This sand-like material injures the urinary tract and leaves it open to bacterial infections. In addition, sometimes bacteria is passed from the rectum to the urethral opening, which also leads to infection.

    Diagnosis and Treatment

    • Kidney and bladder stones in rabbits cause problems similar to urinary tract infections, according to PetPlace.com. A veterinarian will conduct a urinalysis to look for bacteria, calcium crystals or infection-fighting white blood cells in the urine. He may also perform ultrasounds or X-rays to look at the bladder and kidneys. The veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.