Sludge and forcing water

[JamesBund007]

Hello, so this is a 2 part question. My female spayed rabbit was peeing red. I had never seen this before as she usually pees in the litter box. Brought her to the vet. After a bunch of tests that said it is bladder sludge. Tried to feed her extra water in food and stuff for 3 weeks. and today had her bladder expressed . Then once she is home her pee is still red. And they want me to force feed her 120-160 ml of water twice a day.
Ok question 1 – i keep reading that red pee is normal. And it is still just red. It is thick but I don’t see sludge or anything. Could it be that they are wrong and it’s just normal red urine. (It has been about a month though)
Question 2- has anyone heard of trying to give their rabbit that much water through syringe. Its 2 LARGE syringes. And she doesn’t even swallow it. I don’t see how this is possible. Mostly she just tries to get away and she doesn’t swallow it. It’s ALOT of water to force a rabbit to drink.
I don’t know what to. Thanks for any imput

[Vincent]

Doesn’t have to be all at once. Do a little but at a time throughout the day

I had to force feed my rabbits water (and pellet sludge stuff) before because of GI problems

So basically though just get her in a comfortable place where she can’t back up or run away ( maybe between your legs sitting criss crossed or with the help of someone to hold her still?

Then stick the syringe in her mouth of to the side a bit but like, in her mouth still

And shoot down a bit of water at a time, very slowly, if she even swallows half of it your making process, if it’s in enough (but not to far so you don’t choke her) she’ll basically have no choice but to swollen since rabbits aren’t very good at spitting out

So not directly towards the back of her mouth and don’t push in very much at a time, and push in very slowly. (Don’t shoot in fast cause this could choke her too)

And you should be fine

And I’d listen to your vet because they peobably know more about the buns condition plus more water will just make more pee if there isn’t anything wrong so you should try anyways

[jerseygirl]

Any chance you can upload a pic of the reddish pee you are seeing? Do you see the pee right after she does it or find it later on. (Pee turns darker colour once exposed to the air.

If you are having real difficulty getting the additional fluids into her, talk to your vet about giving her subcutaneous fluids at home instead.
Did much sludge come out when her bladder was expressed?

[DanaNM]

I second listening to your vet!

In terms of getting water into your bun, Vanessa (another BB member) has been able to get her bun to drink a lot of water by adding a tiny amount of apple juice to it. You could also try mixing in a small amount canned pumpkin. You might try offering that, and see what happens. Also feed her greens dripping wet, and be sure that water is offered in a bowl or crock, rather than a bottle. 

What veggies are you currently feeding? That information might help us determine why the sludge happened in the first place, and if there is a dietary reason for the red pee. My buns only get red urine when I feed them beet tops or red stem chard. 

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[JamesBund007]

Thanks for the reply ! I have tried putting juice in her water and have tried wetting her veggies/hay/ and even pellets. Her pellets and hay are all Timothy based. I only give her lettuce. I used to give peppers and carrots from time to time, but not since this whole ordeal. It’s very puzzling.

[JamesBund007]

Thanks for the reply! I will take a picture next time she does it. I think i usually do see it shortly after she pee’s. The vet did say they got a lot of sludge out but they were not specific. It has been difficult getting her to drink. There’s no way I’m getting as much as I’m supposed into, and it’s impossible to know how much she actually drinks. Most of it spills out. But I think she drinks some of it …

[JamesBund007]

Thanks for your reply! I have been doing it, although it is difficult and she hates it. We both end up soaking wet lol. I have no idea how much she is taking in but at least some.

[LittlePuffyTail]

Does she eat pellets? Have you tried adding water to her pellets and letting them soak so it’s like a porridge? That would help get some water in her.

[JamesBund007]

She hasn’t peed on the floor since then. So I could not get a picture. I’m thinking that’s a good sign (not needing to uinate as often)I can see that her pee is still red in the litter box. I have tried to give her water over the last week, I don’t think she swallowed very much of it. But she seems fine. Acting the same as always. They did say they got quite a bit of sludge out. I’m still kind of confused about this. They said to bring her back if she isn’t better in 1-2 weeks. Like how would I know if she is better.

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