Rabbit straining in litterbox, not peeing

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BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

This topic has 15sd replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 9 years, 7 months ago by jerseygirl.

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- 09/24/2016 at 6:42 PM
  Dee
  Participant
  704 posts
  Luke is 2 years old and has been very healthy. But today, about an hour ago, I noticed he was sitting in his litter box for a long time. He would give sort of a push every few moments and kind of look at his privates as of trying to figure out what was wrong. My husband offered him a few raisins and he are them slowly, but not like usual. Then he laid down in the litter box and kind of pushed his belly down, like he had gas. But usually with gas, they hide. My fear is that he has a urinary blockage. So here we are at Tufts ER. They took him back and I’m a wreck, it’s been over 30 minutes. The place is packed with hyper dogs.
  
  I’ve been so busy lately I feel like I haven’t paid my rabbits their usual attention. I’m just scared. Anyone have any experience with this? I had a rabbit with bladder sludge, but his urine was obviously,sludgy and he always managed to pee.
- 09/24/2016 at 7:38 PM
  cinnybun2015
  Participant
  570 posts
  I’m so sorry that this happened. I have no experience but I hope some people can help. Sending ((((vibes))) that sweet Luke is okay.
- 09/24/2016 at 7:41 PM
  Benthebunny
  Participant
  550 posts
  I am sorry about Luke, how is he doing? Have they found out what is wrong? It sound like he was constipated or something was keeping him from peeing, maybe a kidney stone or some sort of thick sludge? I dont know if this makes sence or anything, I have not had expirience with this.
- 09/24/2016 at 7:51 PM
  Dee
  Participant
  704 posts
  Thank you, Cinnybun and Benthebunny ☺. I’m still waiting. They are doing Xrays to check for an obstruction or sludge. The vet said his bladder doesn’t feel large or distended, in fact when she did an ultrasound she had trouble finding his bladder. So that means either it’s not his bladder or I caught it very early. I’m praying it’s not an obstruction or anything requiring surgery. Will keep you all posted. Thanks for your support!
- 09/24/2016 at 11:05 PM
  jerseygirl
  Moderator
  22356 posts
  Sending vibes for {{{Luke}}}. I hope it is something easily resolve, Dee.
- 09/24/2016 at 11:52 PM
  LBJ10
  Moderator
  17244 posts
  Oh no, so sorry to hear this. Bladder sludge isn’t uncommon, but symptoms are often the opposite of what you’re seeing (constant dribbling of urine, incontinence). So you made a good call by taking him to the vet ASAP after you observed him straining to pee because, as you said, it could mean there is an obstruction. I hope you will have answers soon!
  
  I’m glad to see you on the forum again though, although I wish it was for happier circumstances.
- 09/25/2016 at 12:33 AM
  Dee
  Participant
  704 posts
  Aw, thanks, Jersey and LBJ! It’s good to see you both too, although I also wish I wasn’t here for this.
  
  We’re home. They did Xrays and saw no blockage, stones or sludge. His body temp was nornal, his abdomen was soft and comfortable, his bladder was small- too small, in fact, to get a urine sample from. He has been started on Trimethazine for a possible UTI. They had to sedate him, so when we got home he was quiet and shaking. I bundled him up, held him for a while, gave him his antibiotic and a syringe full of pumpkin to keep his gut going. He then revived and struggled, so I let him down. I gave him some greens and I was so excited when he went for them right away, but he only took a bite. Then he went and laid in his litter box, like he did before. Now he is out and laying on the floor, and he peed! Yay! But it is VERY RED, looks like blood. Now I know about red bunny pee, and if he has a UTI I suppose that could cause this, but I saved it and will be calling them in the morning. Oh, btw, we went to Tufts, which is one of the best places for exotics.
  
  I guess now I watch him, and see what happens. Hate this part. I’ll keep you all posted. Thanks for being here!!
- 09/25/2016 at 3:37 AM
  Azerane
  Moderator
  4691 posts
  I’m glad to hear that there’s no blockages or anything immediately out the ordinary, although it is still strange. An infection seems most likely I suppose, just presenting in a different way to normal perhaps. It’s great that he finally managed to pee Perhaps it was dark and red because it had been in there a while? Lots of leafy greens (if he’s used to them) to get that water content up.
- 09/25/2016 at 10:52 AM
  LBJ10
  Moderator
  17244 posts
  If his system needs a flush, the vet could provide you with Sub-Q fluids. I agree with Azerane, this is definitely unusual but not impossible. A UTI seems the most like explanation at this point.
- 09/25/2016 at 12:59 PM
  Dee
  Participant
  704 posts
  Yeah, I was surprised that they didn’t give subQ fluids to him at the vet! I, understand before they knew if there was a blockage, but after? I do find that odd. I would like to have subQ fluids/set-up available at home, although I hate giving them!
  
  He did pee again, a normal color this time. And he has eaten his greens, a little hay, and some apple. So his appetite is good. I had just purchased a new stoneware water bowl for him, and I changed that back to a glass bowl that he’s always had. Just in case the glaze or design on the new bowl was harmful. He’s had 2 doses of SMZ TMP. The only thing is, he still seems subdued. When I petted him, he just closed his eyes, while he usually keeps them open unless I rub his cheeks. And he let me hold him for about 15 minutes after I gave him his meds, which is unusual since he is not a lap bunny. He did fight very hard with his meds and got quite frightened. Afterward,while I held him, I noticed a slight trembling in his shoulders once in a while, like last night except much less. It might just be that being held scares him.
  
  Of course tonight I’m scheduled to work a 10 hour overnight shift. I really don’t want to leave him! Yet if he’s acting OK and peeing/popping/eating normally, I will go in. Any sign of problems though, and I’m calling in. I hate missing work and I hate lying, but I will probably just say it’s a family emergency. Which would be true, really. My husband will be home with him, but he’s not me ☺.
  
  Thanks so much for all the support, it is so helpful and much appreciated!!!
- 09/26/2016 at 11:57 AM
  Dee
  Participant
  704 posts
  Just an update on Lukie. He is doing great now, back to his usual greedy self. He HATES his meds though- I’ve never had a bunny fight as hard as Luke does to avoid that syringe. I’m terrified of him aspirating because I end up sometimes squirting the med in with more volume and force than I intended, in my haste to get it in his mouth before he evades me. Is it obvious if a rabbit aspirates, like do they cough? I always listen to his breathing after and if sounds fine.
  
  I still wonder if he even has an infection, but since he’s doing better, I don’t dare stop the meds despite the trauma of giving them.
  
  Thanks again for your advice and help, as always. You’re all great! ?
- 09/26/2016 at 2:56 PM
  Vienna Blue in France
  Participant
  5317 posts
  HI Dee, sorry didn’t see the post before – glad he’s back to his fighty self
  
  Re aspiration, I’m thinking the exact same thing with my cat at the moment who I am syringe feeding. Although she splutters a bit if she needs to. However I’ve got a technique now where I spurt it diagonally to the side so it doesn’t go directly down. I wonder if you could do this too. but I bet my cat’s more laid back about syringe feeding (no more tight burrito for her ) than your Luke !
  
  Did you see the youtube link on here the other day about the ‘near’ perfect bunny burrito? “Tuck here, tuck, don’t forget to tuck !!!”
- 09/26/2016 at 4:01 PM
  LBJ10
  Moderator
  17244 posts
  Can you “sit” on him? That’s how I do Wooly and he is extremely unruly when it come to meds.
- 09/26/2016 at 9:38 PM
  jerseygirl
  Moderator
  22356 posts
  Good to hear he’s more himself, Dee.
  
  If he’s okay being picked up, try putting him on a countertop to give meds. That way he’ll have all 4 feet on a solid surface. You’ll still need to restrain him a bit to get the meds in, but usually just the head.
  I normally put hand over the eyes, pulling side of mouth back with my fingers and pop syringe in that side.
  
  Lol@LBJ. I know what you mean, I do that sometimes also. Sort of hem them in kneeling over them.
- 09/27/2016 at 11:16 AM
  Dee
  Participant
  704 posts
  Thanks to all of you for the ideas on med administration! I even put a bit of honey in the med syringe, but obviously a better technique is needed
  
  I do wonder if it was just a local irritation that doesn’t need antibiotics, but that’s too big a chance to take. Especially since I’ll be working over the next few days!
  
  Thanks again!
- 09/27/2016 at 11:55 PM
  jerseygirl
  Moderator
  22356 posts
  Posted By Dee on 9/27/2016 11:16 AM
  
  Thanks to all of you for the ideas on med administration! I even put a bit of honey in the med syringe, but obviously a better technique is needed
  
  I do wonder if it was just a local irritation that doesn’t need antibiotics, but that’s too big a chance to take. Especially since I’ll be working over the next few days!
  
  Thanks again!
  
  I agree. If you’ve started the abx, always a good idea to continue the course anyway. Stopping too early could mean any problematic bacteria could develop resistance to that abx.
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