How to treat urinary tract infections in rabbits

Due to their short feet, rabbit bodies are very close to the ground. By being very close to the ground, the rabbit can pick up bacteria that can cause urinary tract infections. Although this is a common reason rabbits are prone to urinary tract infections, it is important to remember that other disorders can cause them, too. Treating the infection itself can seem like a difficult task, however, the only difficult part of treating the infection is noticing the symptoms.

Things You'll Need

  • Veterinarian
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Instructions

    • 1

      To know your rabbit needs treatment for a urinary tract infection, you have to know something is wrong. Symptoms that are associated with a urinary tract infection are excessive tiredness or lethargy, appetite loss or weight loss, painful or difficult urination, urinating frequently, showing pain when urinating such as squealing or hunched-over posture, beige or brown colored urine that appears thick, blood in urine, and decreased mobility or signs of pain while being mobile.

    • 2

      If you suspect your rabbit has a urinary tract infection, the animal should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Infections can spread throughout the body and can cause eventual death.

    • 3

      In order to diagnose your rabbit, the veterinarian will most likely run a urinalysis test to check for infection causing bacteria. An X-ray may also be needed for the diagnosis.

    • 4

      Your veterinarian will probably prescribe antibiotics in order to treat your rabbit's urinary tract infection. Depending on what stage the infection is caught in or if the infection has spread, there may be more extreme measures or treatment.

    • 5

      Follow the veterinarian's treatment plan. Be sure to finish all the doses of the medication the veterinarian prescribes. By missing doses, the infection may not go away.

    • 6

      Follow up visits with your veterinarian may be necessary in order to be sure that the infection is completely gone.

    • 7

      Once a rabbit has a urinary tract infection, the animal is much more prone to getting another. This is why prevention is so important. To keep a rabbit safe and healthy from urinary tract infections, keep the cage and play areas dry and clean.