Why Do Rabbits Get Urinary Stones?
📝 Summary
Low water intake is the most common cause of urinary stones in rabbits, but too much calcium and natural physiology also play a role. Learn the causes, signs and care.
1 Causes
The main cause is not drinking enough water. Besides low intake, stones can also come from taking in too much calcium or from the rabbit’s own natural physiology.
2 Symptoms
In the early stage the rabbit often curls up from pain, and the abdomen may look tense; this passes quickly. In the middle stage, urination becomes painful because of the stone, appetite drops, the rabbit stops moving and huddles, and you may see teeth grinding and blood in the urine. If the stone causes cystitis, the rabbit urinates frequently. If a stone blocks the urethra, the rabbit strains to go and becomes listless, losing its usual energy.
3 Prevention and Care
Since low water is the main trigger, watch your rabbit’s drinking and offer water if it rarely drinks on its own.
Once stones are diagnosed, start treatment promptly; surgery is usually needed. After surgery, take the rabbit home to recover and avoid stressing it.
During recovery you can add favored foods such as grains and vegetables. If it refuses to eat, try a small treat to tempt it, or ask a vet whether soft food is needed.
As it improves, shift attention to the water bowl and environment to find why it drinks little; until that is fixed, supply water through vegetables.
Prevention is best: feed a balanced diet, observe your rabbit daily, and contact a vet early at any sign of trouble.
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