Drinking more water than usual after neutering.

[kittyjung]

I wonder if any bun has the same experience as my bunny, Chao-Guay. He got neutered on 7/10, and is recovering well. He had blood works done a month before the surgery and everything looked good. However, a few days after the surgery, I notice Chao-Guay starts drinking water more than usual. Normally, I fill his water bowl (4 oz) twice a day: morning and bed time. But this time, I feel his drinking is off. So, I start counting how much he drinks each day and I found he drinks at least 10-16 oz a day. But today, he drinks almost 20 oz. The weather isn’t hot and he acts normal. Oh, he also peeps a lot, too! Yesterday, I let him face to face with his girl (another bunny), 10 days after the surgery. Everything is ok. They seem happy. So, I am concerned if there is something wrong with Chao-Guay. I don’t want to bring him back to see his vet and to stress him again. PS, he eats fresh salad daily in the morning. And he loves it.

Thanks,

[Wick & Fable]

Is he having pee that is clear, rather than colored? If he’s having a lot of clear pees, it can be a sign that he’s drinking more water than his body needs.

An uptick in water consumption always makes me think of teeth problems. Water is something a lot of rabbits go to to soothe their mouth when it’s not sore. Is he eating less hay an/or pellets?

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.

[kittyjung]

I never have to chance to see his pees color closely since he always pees in his little box. But I believe it is more clear after neutering because the quantity. He eats a LOT of hay. He loves fresh salad and pallets. I give his pallets only 1/4 cup daily but spit into 3 meals. He seems always hungry.

[Bam]

I think you should call the vet that did the neuter. A bun should consume 100 ml water per kg body weight and day (1.5 fluid ounces per pound body weight). This volume includes all water in veggies and fruit, not just drinking water.

Polydipsia (medical term for excessive drinking) can mean lots of things. Teeth issues are common, but because he’s newly neutered, I come to think of if the possibility of an infection. Have you checked his surgical site?

If your vet suspects there could be a wound infection (they can develop some time after the surgery), they could perhaps prescribe antibiotics for you without you having to bring him in. It’d be good if you could take his temperature, your vet would be interested in knowing his temp. Here’s a video on how to take a rabbit’s temp: http://youtu.be/YZd10Hk0maA

[Author]

Messages