🐰 The Vet’s Guide to Rabbit Urinary Incontinence in 2025

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc – professional veterinarian & Ask A Vet founder. This comprehensive guide addresses urinary incontinence—uncontrolled leakage of urine—in rabbits. Covering causes, diagnosis, treatment, skin care, and prevention, it’s a medically accurate reference for ensuring your bunny stays dry, clean, and comfortable in 2025.

🔍 What Is Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine outside normal voiding. In pet rabbits, it often results in urine-soaked fur or bedding, leading to discomfort and urine scald.

It differs from urinary retention (difficulty urinating) and is often a symptom of underlying disease.

🚨 Why It Matters

• Urine-soaked fur causes skin irritation, urine scald, and potential infection :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
• May signal serious health issues—UTIs, bladder stones, bladder sludge, kidney disease, spinal nerve damage, or behavioral issues (e.g., stress).
• Leads to hygiene problems, pain, odor, reduced grooming, and secondary infections.

⚠️ Common Underlying Causes

• Urinary tract infection (UTI): Often leads to dribbling, frequent urination, sludge—treat with culture-based antibiotics :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Bladder sludge/stones: Calcium build-up causing dribbling or overflow.
• Kidney disease: Impaired function leads to polyuria/polydipsia and leakage :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Spinal or nerve dysfunction: Injury, E. cuniculi, or congenital deficits affecting bladder control.
• Behavioral/incontinence from pain: Painful posture or anxiety may prevent normal urination.

👀 Recognizing the Signs

• Urine-stained fur on belly, legs, or tail.
• Wet bedding or litter area.
• Frequent or dribbling urination; small urine pools.
• Skin redness or sores near urination area.
• Signs of discomfort: excessive grooming, reluctance to move, dental grinding.
• Accompanied symptoms: polydipsia, polyuria, sludge, weight loss, or behavioral changes.

🔬 Diagnostic Approach

1. History & Physical: urination habits, water intake, gait, spine palpation.
2. Urinalysis & Culture: checks for infection, crystals, pH, specific gravity :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
3. Bloodwork: BUN/creatinine for kidney; electrolytes.
4. Imaging: X-rays or ultrasound detect sludge, stones, bladder size, spinal issues.
5. Neurologic assessment: if nerve damage is suspected.
6. Skin evaluation: check for urine burns or secondary infection.

💊 Treatment & Veterinary Care

1. Treat the Underlying Disease

• UTI: antibiotics based on culture for 10–14 days.
• Bladder sludge/stones: hydration, diet change, possible flushing or surgery.
• Kidney disease: subcutaneous fluids, supportive care.
• Neurologic issues: address E. cuniculi, manage spinal pain/infammation.
• Pain/stress-related: NSAIDs, analgesia, environmental enrichment.

2. Hygiene & Skin Care

• Gently clean affected skin daily with warm cloth + mild cleanser.
• Dry thoroughly; use barrier creams (zinc oxide, cornstarch, diaper rash ointment).
• Clip stray fur to prevent urine trapping; avoid bathing the whole rabbit.
• Use breathable bedding (paper, fleece combos); launder often.

3. Manage Environment & Diet

• Fresh water + moisture-rich greens to dilute urine.
• Encourage mobility to support bladder emptying.
• Switch to low-calcium diet to prevent sludge/stones.
• Regularly clean litterboxes bagged/fleece liners to reduce skin exposure.

4. Follow-Up Monitoring

• Reassess urinalysis and culture after treatment.
• Track body weight, hydration, and urine habits weekly.
• Repeat imaging for recurrent sludge, stones, or neurologic issues.

🐾 Skin & Fur Care: Preventing Urine Scald

Urine scald is a serious consequence of incontinence if left unaddressed. Prevention and care are key:

• Inspect daily under the tail and belly for dampness or sores :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Clean and pat dry, apply barrier creams.
• Clip fur to avoid moisture traps.
• Use absorbent bedding, changing daily.
• Consider belly bands or washable diapers as short-term aids.

🧬 Breed & Life‑Stage Considerations

Urinary incontinence is more common in:

• Older rabbits (3–5 years+): more likely to have kidney issues or spinal degeneration.
• Overweight or less active rabbits: lag mobility → incomplete voiding.
• Females recovering from reproductive surgery: temporary incontinence due to nerve trauma.

🤝 Integrating Ask A Vet, Woopf & Purrz

• Ask A Vet: Tele-vet triage, medication plans, hygiene steps, follow-up support.
• Woopf: Vet-approved absorbent bedding, hygiene wipes, mobility mats.
• Purrz: Skin barrier creams, supportive supplements, urinary health blends.

💬 What Bunny Owners Say

> “He is also drinking a lot and urinating a lot… when I pick him up, urine just continues flowing…” > – reddit user battling kidney-related incontinence :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

> “If there's been no improvement in 3–5 days, call your vet. … you may need to give some butt baths…” > – practical advice from r/Rabbits :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

📈 Case Studies

Case 1: UTI & sludge

“Misty,” 4‑yr spayed doe, dribbled urine and had urine-stained fur. Culture confirmed E. coli. Treated with appropriate antibiotics, hydrated, and skin care for 10 days. Leakage resolved and skin healed in 2 weeks.

Case 2: Kidney disease & incontinence

“Thumper,” 7‑yr buck, had incontinence with weight loss. Diagnosis: CKD. Managed with fluids, diet change, and urinary grass hay. Leakage improved and fur remained dry with regular hygiene.

⚠️ When to Seek Veterinary Care

• Continuous urine leakage lasting >2 days
• Signs of infection (red, odorous, sore skin)
• Fever, lethargy, NOT eating or drinking
• Polydipsia/polyuria, pain while urinating, weight loss

These signs could indicate kidney failure, UTI, stones, neurologic problems, or systemic disease—urgent care needed.

✅ Key Take‑Home Points

• Urinary incontinence isn’t a disease—it’s a symptom needing investigation.
• Common causes: UTIs, sludge/stones, kidney disease, neurologic damage.
• Comprehensive treatment approach includes medical, skin care, environmental, and dietary changes.
• Daily cleaning and barrier creams prevent injury and infection.
• Ask A Vet, Woopf, and Purrz offer practical tools for recovery and comfort.
• Monitor daily and consult your vet early for best outcomes.

With attentive care and early veterinary intervention, many rabbits regain comfort and dryness. For personalized support, download the Ask A Vet app today and connect with a rabbit-savvy vet anytime. 🐇❤️