Rabbit keeps trying to pee..

[Dreaaa]

My rabbit keeps trying to pee but hardly anything comes out, he sometimes squeaks like he’s in pain and then grunts. He is litter trained but keeps trying to pee on the carpet which isn’t normal. He is still eating and pooing normally but could he have a serious problem? He’s had this problem before we took him to the vet they took a urine sample and said it was all fine. He’s fine now but why does it happen and what if it happens again… Am I doing something wrong?

[sarahthegemini]

If he’s squeaking in pain, then something is most definitely wrong. Either see another vet or insist on further investigation.

[Luna]

I think you are right that something is wrong (maybe a UTI or bladder stones?), and if the vet has not addressed your concerns with the last incident, then I think getting a second opinion from a different vet may be a good idea. Is he drinking more/less, or drinking a lot of water but peeing only a little of it out? What veggies has he been eating lately?

[Wick & Fable]

If a urine sample didnt show anything, it could be something physically wrong, rather than an infection. You need to see a vet, either the same and press on the matter, stating the pain is verbalized, and or find another vet.

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.

[Mikey]

Sounds like a UTI, bladder or kidney stones, scalding/urine burns, bladder sludge, or tears in his skin. If he enjoys humping and has stuffies or similar that he enjoys humping, he couldve given himself rug burn on his penis (My Bombur has done this and needed meds for his swelling). Honestly, because so many things couldve caused his pain, its best to see another vet. Make sure the vets you take him two are certified to work on rabbits.

As an added aid, no sugar added plain cranberry juice can help with discomfort while peeing if his issues are UTI or scald related.

[Dreaaa]

He’s drinks quite a bit of water I would say. I always make sure that fresh water is provided for him and yes only small amounts of pee were coming out. I checked the pee and it was clear. He ate dandelions and a cabbage leaf yesterday. It could be he doesn’t eat enough hay, I put plenty out for him but he doesn’t eat a huge amount, is there a way to encourage him? He seems fine at the moment he’s doing bunny hops.

[Bam]

It does sound like a UTI. Straining to pee and only peeing small amounts at a time are classic signs of a UTI. Bunny urine shouldn’t be clear and colorless. It’s odd they didn’t find bacteria in the urine though. Maybe they didn’t get a good sample or sth. If it’s a UTI, Bactrim would be a good choice of antibiotics.

You do need to go back to the vet, or better yet, find another vet, preferably a bunny savvy one who are aware of how a bunny’s kidneys work – they’re different from a dog’s or cat’s, because buns secrete excess calcium via the kidneys, and most other mammals don’t. I don’t think you are doing anything wrong. Can you see anything that seems at all off in his downstairs region? Like is there redness, does his little penis look good? Any smell?

[Mikey]

I really recommend adding in a bit of no sugar added plain cranberry juice to his water. When my Bombur has his UTIs (prone to them), adding some of the cranberry juice really helps him out when hes struggling to pee. You would likely still need some antibiotics, though. Some rabbits can fight off UTIs by themselves, but not all rabbits can. Not being able to pee for a large period of time can cause a lot of internal problems, some leading to surgery or even death. It needs to be taken care of before it gets to that point.

[Mikey]

I really recommend adding in a bit of no sugar added plain cranberry juice to his water. When my Bombur has his UTIs (prone to them), adding some of the cranberry juice really helps him out when hes struggling to pee. You would likely still need some antibiotics, though. Some rabbits can fight off UTIs by themselves, but not all rabbits can. Not being able to pee for a large period of time can cause a lot of internal problems, some leading to surgery or even death. It needs to be taken care of before it gets to that point.

[Wick & Fable]

You can put in a small bit of Apple-Cider-Vinegar-with-the-mother (needs to have the mother in it). This can help as well, in addition to being a nice preventative.

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.

[sarahthegemini]

Posted By Dreaaa on 9/13/2017 12:36 PM

He’s drinks quite a bit of water I would say. I always make sure that fresh water is provided for him and yes only small amounts of pee were coming out. I checked the pee and it was clear. He ate dandelions and a cabbage leaf yesterday. It could be he doesn’t eat enough hay, I put plenty out for him but he doesn’t eat a huge amount, is there a way to encourage him? He seems fine at the moment he’s doing bunny hops.

Struggling to urinate and having pain when doing so are nothing really to do with hay consumption. 

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