💧 What Is a Rabbit UTI?

A UTI (urinary tract infection) in rabbits is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation, discomfort, and potentially long-term bladder damage if untreated. Rabbits naturally excrete extra dietary calcium in urine, which can predispose them to UTIs :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

🚩 Common Symptoms

• Straining or painful urination, frequent dribbling
• Urinating outside litter box or dribbling urine
• Lethargy or poor appetite
• Urine scald (hair loss, red skin) around genitals
• Excessive genital licking, hunched posture
• Teeth grinding, hiding behavior
• Urine changes: dark, thick, pasty, or red-tinged :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

🧬 Underlying Causes

• High dietary calcium: Especially from alfalfa hay/pellets :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Dehydration: Concentrated urine can irritate the bladder :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Obesity or poor mobility: Can increase urine pooling and bacterial growth :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Back injuries: May prevent full bladder evacuation :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• Soiled bedding: Promotes bacterial growth and contact :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• Congenital abnormalities: Such as strictures or malformed kidneys/ureters :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• Bladder stones or sludge: Irritating debris can exacerbate infection :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

🔍 Diagnosis by Your Vet

Veterinarians use a combination of:

• Thorough medical history
• Physical exam, including palpating bladder and checking for pain :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
• Urinalysis—looks for bacteria, crystals, blood :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
• Urine culture + antibiotic sensitivity testing :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
• Imaging (X-rays or ultrasound) for stones or obstructions :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
• Neurological evaluation if incontinence is present :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

💊 Treatment Plan

Treatment typically involves:

1. Antibiotics: Commonly trimethoprim‑sulfa, enrofloxacin, or metronidazole for 2–4 weeks :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
2. Adjust calcium intake: Switch from alfalfa to grass hay (timothy) and remove supplements :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
3. Hydration support: Encourage water intake via bowls, offer wet leafy greens :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
4. Clean bedding and hygiene: Regularly clean urine‑soaked areas to prevent scald :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
5. Treat stones/sludge: Bladder flushing, hydropropulsion, or surgical removal in severe cases :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
6. Address underlying issues: Improve mobility, weight, or treat anatomical abnormalities :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
7. Monitor GI health: Antibiotics can cause GI stasis; watch appetite and feces closely :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}

🏠 Recovery & Follow-Up Care

• Continue antibiotics for the full prescribed time (2–4+ weeks) :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
• Recheck urine and/or repeat culture after finishing therapy
• Keep bedding clean and dry daily
• Maintain supply of fresh water, hay, and moisture-rich greens
• Switch and monitor diet transition carefully
• If no improvement, revisit vet—persistent UTIs may indicate stones or kidney involvement :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}

⚠️ When It Becomes an Emergency

Seek immediate veterinary attention if you notice:

• Complete inability to urinate (could lead to bladder rupture) :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}
• Severe lethargy, pain, or distress
• Blood clots in urine accompanied by illness :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}

🛡️ Preventing Future UTIs

• Feed unlimited grass hay and limit alfalfa to juveniles or occasional treats :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}
• Provide fresh water in bowls, plus wet greens for hydration :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}
• Encourage daily exercise to reduce stones/sludge buildup
• Keep living areas clean and dry
• Maintain healthy body weight
• Monitor urine for color changes, frequency, and straining
• Schedule regular vet check-ups—including urine testing if concerns persist

🧠 Vet Tips for 2025

• Use rabbit-savvy vets—treatment protocols and drug choices differ significantly from cats/dogs
• Urine culture is essential before starting antibiotics to prevent resistance
• Consider follow-up ultrasounds in recurrent cases
• Promote early prevention via diet and hydration rather than reactive treatment
• Track rabbit’s weight monthly for subtle health shifts

📋 Quick‑Reference Table

🌟 Featured Services

• Ask A Vet: Chat with vet professionals for custom treatment plans, follow-ups, and lifestyle advice.
• Woopf: Offer premium grass hay and hydration-rich greens to support urinary health.
• Purrz: Provide gentle litter solutions and urinary care supplements to support recovery.