Sludgy Bladder Syndrome In rabbits
Sludgy blader syndrome is a common syndrome seen in pet rabbits characterised by thick sand-like sludgy urine.
Notice how opaque the bladder is in this x-ray: indicating the accumulation of sediment
Sludgy Bladder Syndrome In rabbits
Characterised by an excessive amount of calcium deposits in the urine. Which, ultimately accumulates in the bladder as sediment and is difficult to excrete, resulting in pain, secondary infections and can become hard like concrete causing the bladder to be completely
blocked = emergency!
Risk factors:
- Overweight/obese rabbits Female rabbits
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Dehydration
- Pain that limits posturing to urinate eg arthritis, spinal conditions
- High calcium diet: alfalfa/lucerne, kale, spinach in excess amounts
- Poor quality diet eg cereals, grains or grain based pellets rather than grass based pellets
Common signs:
- Difficulty urinating/straining (stranguria)
- Thick, sludgy urine or white calcium deposits
- Frequent small urinations
- Blood in the urine (haematuria)
- Urine soiling of the fur +/- secondary perineal dermatitis
- Inappetence and lethargy aka secondary gut stasis due to pain
Treatment
If your rabbit is showing any of these signs it’s important to seek veterinary care.
Treatments depend on severity and may include fluid therapy, pain relief, dietary adjustments, and in severe cases may include bladder emptying under sedation/anaesthesia or even surgery.
