UTI question + pee dribbles

[JackRabbit]

If you have any experience with UTI’s or if your bunny has ever been treated for one, how was it diagnosed? Was a urinalysis or culture done or did the vet treat for a UTI just based on symptoms?

I’m asking because we’re seeing pee dribbles again and Marlee has been given fluids two times over a few months and the dribbles stopped both times but came back a month or so later. The vet thinks she may be getting calcium crystals that are irritating her bladder and the sub-q fluids have helped flush them out. The dribbles are back, along with a couple of large pee spots (one spot was over a foot and a half long soaked into the fleece) which makes me wonder if Moshi is doing some of the spots too. Not sure what to do at this point. I have an appointment for Marlee to get fluids tomorrow, but can change the appointment for the vet to see them both.

[Sarita]

Usually a urinalysis. Why don’t you see if the vet will show you how to do fluids at home? It’s not too difficult.

[JackRabbit]

The vet said she would show me but that the bags come 5 to a pack and have to be used within a month of opening a pack so it would be cheaper to use their bags. Can you buy single bag pack?

I’m just confused because I don’t want to just keep throwing fluids at something that could be an infection (have only tried fluids and haven’t done urinalysis yet or a culture). Plus now it seems Moshi is doing it too.

[Sindri]

Usagi had a UTI a little while ago. They tried to get a sample of pee to use a test strip on. He did pee a little in his litterbox there. She took the strip and put it on the spot. The test strip didn’t pick up much because it wasn’t a lot of pee. We could tell by his behavior he had one. He was given some antibiotics and it cleared it up. My vet told me to all so give Usagi fluids with his syringe as well.

I would get them both checked if you aren’t sure if one or both rabbits are having issues.

[JackRabbit]

Off to the vet we go. Dreading the bill. We’re seeing the head exotic specialist. The worst part is going to be trying to get two wiggly bunnies into one carrier. They’ve already seen the carrier so they’re already in “mommy’s going to try to pick me up” mode. If I had a way to prop my phone up (and a way to keep my rear end out of view!), I’d video this so you all could see how two itty bitty bunnies can get me drenched in sweat!

[JackRabbit]

$248 later, we’re home.

Marlee decided to completely empty her bladder in the towel the vet had her wrapped in while carrying her to the back to do the uninalysis, vet said Marlee didn’t even hold a drop back and she could hardly even find her bladder with ultrasound. No tests today for Marlee.

Because of Moshi’s huge water intake, the vet thought Moshi might be the culprit. Moshi peed on the carrier while the vet had Marlee in the back room, but she was able to express some urine from him for urinalysis. Should know the results tomorrow.

One thing I learned today is that bunny urine can change colors as it sits. The vet told me this and I actually saw where Moshi peed on the carrier pee pad start out as clear to pale yellow turn to an orangy brownish color as it sat.

[Deleted User]

WOW! The things you learn…..
(This is why I read EVERYTHING!) He he he he he…..

[LBJ10]

Silly Marlee! She knew what was coming.

[JackRabbit]

Smart bunny!

Our vets know me too well. I was given strict instructions that I am not to stay up all night watching my bunnies pee so that I can determine who is dribbling and who is leaving giant puddles.

[Deleted User]

LOL!

[JackRabbit]

This is the same vet who told me not to peel the oat hay for the bunnies. However, I was never told not to examine bunny poop on fleece with a magnifying glass so that’s still on the OK list…..

[Deleted User]

Thank goodness for that – we can’t have you banned from ‘everything’, I would never deprive you of your magnifying glass, ha ha ha! 
  
PS – You’ve got one brilliant vet there! Lol!

[Little Lion Head]

Let us know what you find out!! Oh Marlee is too funny…emptying her bladder!
Pumpkin gets the same attitude when she sees the carrier. And it’s always me who has to be the bad guy. Not fair!!
I’m thinking I should just invest in my own exotic vet. Want to go in w/ me JR? We’ve spent $600 on Pumpkin and only had her since October!!

[Author]

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