Senior bunny having accidents

[Ali925]

I haven’t been on this site in many years but I have always appreciated the feedback!

My 11 year old lop has always had great litter habits.  Recently she’s been leaving pee where she sleeps, but not daily, only a couple times a week maybe??  I know she has a bit of arthritis but she is still capable of getting in and out of her litterbox so most of the time it is not left outside of it.  At first I thought she was angry and leaving me a message with the urine mess.  Now I am pretty sure it is a sign of old age, some loss of bladder control.  Any experience or advice?  She is showing her old age more and more in the last year so I think it is just something I will need to deal with. Poor lady is having a rough year between that and recurring eye issues!   Thanks in advance.

[DanaNM]

Aww poor girl. <3 Does she get up from sleeping and just pee where she is, or is it while she is laying down?

I’m not familiar with age-related incontinence in rabbits, but my female dog growing up had this when she got into her senior years. It would be good to rule out a UTI, as they can cause urine dribbling and leaking.

. . . 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.  

[Ali925]

I actually don’t know when it happens.  She lounges and sleeps a LOT these days, it is hard being old 🙂  I just find it after the fact when I go to feed her or change her litter, etc.  I usually see it where she sleeps the most, that’s why I wonder if maybe she wakes and has to go but too slow to get there? It doesn’t seem to be leaking, I only see a puddle every once in awhile.  But good point checking into a UTI.   I know she has issues with cleaning herself too back there.  My old man lop, almost 11 as well,  has zero issues and so much spunk compared to her!  I have never cared for an aging pet before, it is hard!  Thank you 🙂

[DanaNM]

All, well it’s good she doesn’t seem to be laying in her pee. When my girl got older her litter box habits got a bit lazier. She would often get up from sleeping and just pee where she was. It did help to get her a litter box with a lower side. The sell some meant for senior cats that worked out great for her.

. . . 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.  

[Author]

Messages