🐰 The Vet’s Guide to Rabbit Polyuria & Polydipsia in 2025

Authored by Dr Duncan Houston BVSc – professional veterinarian & Ask A Vet founder. This comprehensive guide equips rabbit owners to understand and manage polyuria (excessive urination) and polydipsia (excessive drinking), often referred together as “PUPD.” We’ll cover definitions, causes, diagnosis, treatment protocols, breed and life-stage considerations, and practical at-home care solutions for 2025 and beyond.

🔍 What Do These Terms Mean?

Polyuria — the production of more urine than what’s normal; typically over 120–130 mL/kg/day in domestic rabbits :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. Polydipsia — excessive water intake, usually a response to increased urination :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}. When combined, polyuria leads to dehydration, triggering increased water intake.

Typical and Abnormal Values:

• Normal water intake: ~50–150 mL/kg daily :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Normal urine volume: ~120–130 mL/kg daily :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

🧭 Why It Matters

Untreated PUPD can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, urinary sludge, possible stones, renal impairment, and systemic illness. Early detection and a systematic vet assessment are essential for better outcomes.

⚠️ Common Causes of Rabbit PUPD

• Chronic kidney disease — early sign is PUPD; occurs once ~75% of kidney function is lost :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Liver disease
• Diabetes mellitus or hyperglycemia — rare in pet rabbits but possible :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Urinary stones or infection — may irritate the urinary tract :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Behavioral water overconsumption — psychogenic polydipsia due to boredom or stress :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Dental pain — rabbits may drink more to ease discomfort :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Drug-induced — reactions to medications or high sodium intake :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Endoparasites — e.g., encephalitozoonosis can trigger PUPD :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.

👀 Spotting the Signs

• Significantly increased drinking – water bowl empties often :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Frequent urination or dribbles; urine may be light-colored or dilute :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• Possible urinary incontinence, wet fur, or litter box changes :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• Weight loss, reduced appetite, dental grinding — signs of pain or systemic illness.
• Lethargy, changes in behavior, signs of GI upset.
• Anemia, dull fur, potentially secondary to organ disease :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.

🔬 Vet Diagnosis: What to Expect

1. History & physical exam: vet will ask about drinking, litterbox habits, diet, recent medication, and observe the rabbit’s physical comfort.
2. Blood work: full chemistry panel assessing kidney (BUN, creatinine), liver enzymes, glucose :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
3. Urinalysis: specific gravity, sugar, protein, sediment, crystals :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
4. Imaging: X-rays/ultrasound for stones, kidney size/structure :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
5. Infection tests: culture if indicated.
6. Special diagnostics: parasite serology (e.g., E. cuniculi), endocrine screen if needed.

💊 Treatment & Veterinary Management

1. Address Underlying Disease

• CKD or renal insufficiency: subcutaneous fluids, supportive diet, phosphorus binders as appropriate.
• Liver disease: fluids, hepatoprotectants, dietary changes.
• Diabetes/hyperglycemia: dietary control (reduce pellets), monitor glucose :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.
• UTI/Stones: remove stones if needed surgically, treat infections medically :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.
• Parasites: e.g., treat E. cuniculi with benzimidazole-class drugs :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.
• Dental disease: trim spurs, perform extractions; analgesics.
• Psychogenic polydipsia: environmental enrichment, reduce stressors :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.
• Medication-induced: adjust or change medications with vet oversight.

2. Supportive Goals

• Hydration: maintain fluid intake; encourage fresh veggies, flavor water; consider oral boosters if needed :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}.
• Fluid therapy: subcutaneous or IV fluids for dehydration.
• Nutrition: hay ad lib, limit pellets, encourage greens.
• Pain control: NSAIDs (e.g., meloxicam), plus opioids if needed :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}.

3. Monitoring & Adjustments

• Recheck bloodwork/urinalysis every 4–12 weeks based on condition.
• Monitor water intake, urine production, appetite, weight weekly at home.
• Adjust treatments based on lab results and clinical signs.

🏡 Long-Term Home Care

• Clean water provision: use open bowls—they encourage greater intake than nipple bottles :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}.
• Hydrating diet: hay ad lib plus daily fresh, moisture-rich greens (e.g., cucumber, celery) :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}.
• Environmental enrichment: toys, dig boxes, hideaways reduce boredom-related drinking :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}.
• Weight and condition monitoring: track body condition; maintain ideal weight.
• Regular vet check-ups: at least bi-annually for early disease detection.
• Medication protocols: record dosing schedules; label medications clearly.

🧬 Breed & Life-Stage Insights

Although PUPD can occur at any age, older rabbits (>5 years) are at higher risk due to progressive organ decline. Flat-faced breeds may be predisposed to dental issues leading to dental-related polydipsia. Monitoring is especially important during life-stage transitions.

🤝 Leveraging Ask A Vet, Woopf & Purrz Support

• Ask A Vet: Tele‑vet consultations for symptom triage, treatment follow-up, fluid therapy guidance.
• Woopf: Offer vet-formulated hydration blends, urinary-friendly treats, and hay blends.
• Purrz: Includes supplements for kidney and liver support, plus calming aids for behavioral causes.

🧪 Real-Life Case Studies

Case 1: “Willow” – Early CKD

Willow, 7‑yr-old Dutch, non-specific weight loss and polydipsia noted. Bloodwork showed moderate CKD. With subQ fluids, phosphorus binder, hay diet, and monthly rechecks—her kidneys stabilized, appetite returned, and water intake normalized within 6 weeks.

Case 2: “Chester” – Dental-related polydipsia

Chester, 4-yr lionhead, was drinking heavily but labs were normal. Dental exam revealed molar spurs causing pain. After filing and analgesia, his drinking returned to normal within a week.

Case 3: “Penny” – Behavioral polydipsia

Penny, 3‑yr mixed-breed, lived alone with little enrichment. She drank excessively, but diagnostics were normal. Enrichment (toys, social time) cut her daily water intake by 50% within 10 days.

⚠️ When to Seek Veterinary Care Immediately

Contact Ask A Vet or your vet promptly if your rabbit has:

• Suddenly stopped eating or drinking
• Sharp increase in water intake (>150 mL/kg/d)
• No urine output or straining when urinating
• Lethargy, severe dehydration, weight loss, or pain signs

These may indicate acute renal failure, urinary blockage, GI stasis, or systemic disease—timing is critical for a positive outcome.

✅ Key Take-Home Points

• Polyuria & polydipsia are red flags: they often signify serious health issues.
• Early vet assessment saves lives: baseline labs and diagnostics are essential.
• Treatment is multi-faceted: involve hydration, diagnostics, supplemental care, and follow-up.
• Home care matters: provide fresh water, rich hay diet, enrichment, and regular check-ups.
• Ask A Vet, Woopf, and Purrz are here to support diagnostics, dietary care, and recovery management.
• Monitor daily: track intake, output, appetite, and weight to catch issues early.

Thank you for trusting Ask A Vet with your rabbit’s urinary health journey. With early detection, targeted care, and supportive tools, rabbits with PUPD can live comfortable, happy lives. For personalized care plans and live veterinary support, download the Ask A Vet app today and stay connected. 🐇❤️