How bad are UTIs for a young bunny?

[Ela]

So, my bun has been spotting urine and I read how that is a clear symptom for a UTI. I’m taking him to the vet tomorrow to get him checked for it, but I want to be prepared for what’s to come.

Are UTI’s in rabbits similar to UTI’s in humans in that once they get one, they are susceptible to them forever unless meticulously cared for?

Not that I don’t care for my bunny, I clean his cage religiously every day…

But I just wanted to know because he’s so young. Only 8 months now. And I’m worried he’ll have chronic cases of UTI’s that we’ll have to periodically put him on antibiotics for…

Are they expensive to treat? He doesn’t seem to be in any pain, but in actuality, does it hurt him at all?

I know these are all questions I can ask the vet tomorrow, but I’m a bit over the edge in worry, lol. So some insight would be lovely.

Thanks in advance!

[LBJ10]

Most bunnies who get a UTI do not have recurring problems. This isn’t to say it can’t happen, but it seems most bunnies are treated and then never have a problem again.

UTIs are uncomfortable, but bunnies are good at hiding it. The good news is that they are relatively inexpensive to treat. Some antibiotics usually do the trick. Just keep in mind that sometimes these things can be stubborn and the vet may recommend a longer course to make sure everything is killed off.

[Hazel]

Is he neutered? If not, he might just be marking. Let us know what the vet says!

[Ela]

Thanks so much for the responses!

Just got back from the vet and she said there’s definitely bacteria in his urine, but along with that, there’s a little too much calcium in it and it’s very dilute :c

She said it could be a kidney problem, but she said not to worry about that for now. At the moment, I should be keen on giving him antibiotics and changing his pellets to pure timothy pellets >_<

I know she said not to worry, but, ahhhhhhhhh!! No parent wants their baby to be sick, lol.

I hope the antibiotics and change of diet will do the trick…

Also, yes, Hazel, he was neutered two week ago c:

[LBJ10]

Bacteria could have migrated up there when he was neutered or shortly after.

I wouldn’t worry about kidney problems just yet. UTIs are much more common. Since he’s 8 months old, he should be switched to an adult food (Timothy-based) anyway. Hopefully that will help as well.

[Ela]

Posted By LBJ10 on 9/07/2016 8:33 PM
Bacteria could have migrated up there when he was neutered or shortly after.

I wouldn’t worry about kidney problems just yet. UTIs are much more common. Since he’s 8 months old, he should be switched to an adult food (Timothy-based) anyway. Hopefully that will help as well.

Ah, I see. My vet was saying it was unlikely because she checked his incisions and they healed up nicely. We’ll see how things go in ten days c:

I just bought him a new bag of Oxbow’s adult food, so hopefully that will help.
Thanks so much!

[LBJ10]

Bacteria in the urethra doesn’t have anything to do with the neutering incisions, so I’m not sure why the vet would say that.

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