📌 Definitions & Importance

Dysuria means painful or difficult urination, while pollakiuria is frequent urges to urinate with small volume :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}. These signs often indicate irritation or blockage in the lower urinary tract, requiring timely assessment—prompt care prevents complications like bladder inflammation or stones.

⚠️ Why It Matters in Rabbits

• Classic signs: straining, frequent trips to litter box, vocalizing during urination, hunched posture, tender abdomen :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
• Urine may show blood, appear thick, chalky, or tan (due to calcium hyperexcretion), or be cloudy/sludgy :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• General signs: weight loss, poor appetite, lethargy, teeth grinding—a sign of pain :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

🧠 Common Underlying Causes

• Bladder sludge from excess dietary calcium: Rabbits absorb most dietary calcium, excreting excess in urine—leading to thick sludge or stones :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Cystitis (bladder inflammation): Caused by bacterial infection or irritants from sludge/stones :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Uroliths (stones): Calcified formations causing pain, obstruction, hematuria :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• UTI (urinary tract infection): Often bacterial—symptoms include dysuria, pollakiuria, hematuria, lethargy :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Reproductive or uterine issues: Tumors or infections in females may mimic dysuria/pollakiuria :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Renal disease or other systemic illness: May cause secondary urinary signs :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.

🔍 Diagnostic Steps

• Detailed history: Frequency, onset, diet, calcium sources, fluid intake, female reproductive status.
• Physical exam: Palpate bladder for tension; check for pain response—common in cystitis or sludge :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Urinalysis: Detect crystals, blood, infection, and calcium sludge.
• Bloodwork: CBC/biochemistry to evaluate kidneys and calcium levels :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Imaging: X-rays and ultrasound are essential to visualize stones, sludge, bladder wall thickening :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Culture & sensitivity: In suspected infections—identify causative bacteria and appropriate antibiotics.

💊 Treatment Strategies

Emergency & Supportive Care

• Manual expression of bladder sludge; catheter flushing if needed with sedation :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• IV/subcutaneous fluids for hydration and to support renal clearance :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• Pain management: NSAIDs and opioids to relieve bladder discomfort.

Targeted Therapies

• Antibiotics: If infection confirmed by culture.
• Reduce calcium intake: Switch from alfalfa hay to low‑calcium options (Timothy, orchard grass), adjust pellets :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• Diet and hydration: Encourage water intake via bowl, moist greens; reduce sludge formation.
• Stone removal: Surgical cystotomy may be needed for large or obstructive stones :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.

🏠 Home Care & Monitoring

• Provide continuous fresh water and low-calcium diet.
• Teach manual bladder expression techniques (under vet guidance).
• Stimulate urination with gentle massage or warm compress.
• Keep litter box clean to monitor urine changes.
• Schedule follow‑up urinalysis and imaging every 3–6 months for recurrent or chronic cases :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.

📊 Quick Reference Table

🧠 Vet Tips for 2025

• Check urinary sludge in all annual exams—many rabbits have subclinical signs :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
• Educate owners on calcium metabolism and sludge risks in rabbits :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.
• Demonstrate manual bladder expression and dietary changes during visits.
• Encourage bladder/fluid routines at home—this improves compliance and outcomes.
• Plan regular imaging in recurring cases to prevent stone formation.

🔚 Final Takeaway

Dysuria and pollakiuria in rabbits signal urinary tract issues—from sludge and stones to infections. Fast diagnostics, targeted treatments, and ongoing home care—especially in diet and hydration—can prevent recurrence. In 2025, proactive vet-owner partnerships are key to keeping bunnies healthy and pain-free. 🐇❤️

🌟 Partner Services

• Ask A Vet: Immediate guidance for urinary signs—triage, diet help, aftercare instructions.
• Woopf: Low‑dust low‑calcium hay, fresh-water bowls, bladder health kits.
• Purrz: Calcium‑regulating supplements, soothing pain relief gels, hydration blends.