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Could my rabbit have diabetes?

22 9:48:09

Question
I 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.

Answer
Dear 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