Question on bladder sludge

[MimzMum]

Out of deferrence to Sarita, having just read her touching thread in the Lounge on Panda-bun going to the Bridge, I’d like to begin a discussion here about bladder sludge. Mostly, How serious is it? How can it best be prevented? What are the signs you should look for?

I see white deposits in Mimzy’s litterbox only when he’s had carrots, so I know that’s calcium coming through. When I first saw his urine, it scared me to death because it was mostly rust colored, which I took immediately to be blood, but was only from him eating dandelions. What is the best color and consistency for bunny urine? I’ve noticed that Pip’s is brown, my vet said that was okay. Each of our buns seem to have more ‘cloudy’ urine than clear. Is this something I should worry about?

I feel so bad for Sarita and her post definitely gave me a heads-up. We don’t know exactly what happened to Panda yet, but I want to make sure I’m not just assuming my bun is passing normal urine if he is not.

[JK]

Good question. I know it varies in color due to the different things they are eating. I’d like to know too.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

From what I’ve read, urine ranges in color, but white is definitely an indication that there is too much calcium….I’d like to know more too!!

[LittlePuffyTail]

I’m wondering about this too as until not too long ago I had never even heard about bladder sludge. I would like to know the symptoms. It’s hard to get a good look at my bunnies’ urine because I use Yesterday’s News.

[Scarlet_Rose]

Hey all,

This is a pretty good article on sludge: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=514&S=5&SourceID=43

and this too (by the same vet) http://www.rabbit.org/health/urolith.html

I have not seen Sarita’s post as of yet, but am very sad.

It is not very common for a rabbit to pass from sludge alone, and there may be other underlying problems mentioned in the above-linked articles like dehydration, inactivity, kidney disease and bladder disease.  It is important to note here that bladder stones are not made from bladder sludge. It is possible you may not see a bladder stone in the litter box and it is caught in the urethra and thence can cause problems as well.   I’m going to go find the post by Sarita now. 

Oh but before I do, rabbit urine can cary in color from yellow to brown to bright red so it is very hard to say what the “ideal” color for a rabbit is as each has a color that is “normal” for them and you cannot base health on the color of urine.  Mine have a brownish color and it is cloudy as well.  Dietary changes will also make a difference, as you mentioned Mimz.

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