Peeing While Lying Down

[Dobby]

Hello Everyone,

I have a bunny health issue I haven’t encountered before and was hoping someone might have some insight for me.  I did a quick search of the forum and didn’t see anything on the topic before.

Tonight, Dobby, who is 5 and very active and happy, has been lying on the carpet in the living room and peeing.  He’s done it in three different spots.  The first time he did it was while I was petting him.  I noticed his tail was lifting up, which was weird, because he was just lying there but I didn’t think much of it.  Then he got up and there was a wet spot.  He went to different area of the living room and did the same thing.  He didn’t lift his tail for long but lifted it every 10 or 20 seconds.  He also didn’t get up after doing it.  When he did eventually get up there was another wet spot.  The most recent time he did it was while my other rabbit, Pip, was grooming him.  He didn’t get up until I made him get up so I could clean.

The only other thing he’s done tonight that is slightly out of character is poop outside of his litter more than normal, but he’s never been perfect with that.

Otherwise, he has been eating, drinking, pooping and hopping into his litter box, where it looks like he is peeing.  He is also at a normal level of activity.

Has anyone else experienced this before with any of their bunnies?  Any ideas what it could be?  I’m tempted to observe him for another day or two before going to the vet since he seems fine otherwise but can take him earlier if need be.

Thanks for any help you can give!

[JackRabbit]

My first guess would be a UTI or other bladder issue (stone maybe?), assuming he isn’t having issues with arthritis since he’s otherwise moving around as usual. The main reason I thought possible stone is that lying down might shift a stone to a different position and let urine pass more easily.

[Dobby]

Right after I posted my first message, Dobby did a few bunny 500s around the room and showed off his binkies. At least if something is wrong with him, he doesn’t seem to be feeling poorly or in pain.

Thanks for the suggestions, JackRabbit. I’ll watch him closely the next couple of nights for any other symptoms. Fingers crossed it was some weird anomaly! My other little guy is on Polycitrak twice a day because of repeated UTIs and bladder sludge. I really hope Dobby doesn’t go down that road as well.

[LittlePuffyTail]

If it’s out of character, it is a cause for concern. I would keep a close eye on him and if he does it again, and/or shows any other symptoms like drinking more, peeing more, etc., take him to the vet.

[Author]

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