QuestionI got a new rabbit about a month ago. The previous owners said that she had been spayed and think she is about 9 months old. Since I've had her I've noticed that she is drinking a lot of water (40 oz every few days) and consequently peeing a lot. Her appetite is hearty, she empties her food bowl each day (which i put a small cup of pellets in), she also gets fresh veggies each day (usually a couple pieces of lettuce and a carrot but it depends on what I have in the fridge).
I know that if her age is estimated correctly than she may still be growing, however her appetite still seems to be a little much. I am comparing this to my other rabbit, who is now almost 3 and I have had since 6 months of age (and has never eaten that much but is fed the same). They older rabbit doesn't drink near as much water either.
I have also noticed that the new rabbits pee smells way worse, I don't know if that is significant or just a difference. The new rabbit also seems to lay down often. And goes strait for the water bottle after being out.
I realize that some of these differences may be due to personality, age, and breed differences between the two. But I am still a little worried about these circumstances. I have read that although rabbit diabetes is really rare, it does actually happen and it seems to me that she is exhibiting the symptoms. I had a cat diagnosed with diabetes and this new rabbit's behavior is strikingly similar to the cats after his diagnosis.
I am seeking another opinion and also wondering if there are any home tests I could perform to see if this is something I should take her to the vet for or if I am just being paranoid.
AnswerDear Mallory,
Diabetes is vanishingly uncommon in rabbits. But renal disease can cause excessive drinking. Please read:
www.bio.miami.edu/hare/urinary.html
If her pee is very strong-smelling, she may have a urinary tract infection that requires treatment with antibiotics. You can find a rabbit-savvy vet here:
www.rabbit.org/vets
Bloodwork will help the vet determine if there are any more serious problems lurking. While kidney disease would be unusual in a bunny so young, sometimes it can be caused by exposure to environmental toxins. Since you don't know her full history, a visit to the vet for a full checkup including blood chemistry would be a good idea.
I hope this helps.
Dana