rabbit loses control of urine, suddenly drools a lot

Question
We have had our dwarf bunny for 6 years now.  He's litter trained and does not live in a cage - he's very affectionate and part of the family.  I've noticed that on three occasions he has started copious drooling from his mouth and nose, his eyes appear fixed and dilated and he loses control of his bladder.  It appears seizure like but he does not have typical stiffening of limbs and can still move around but appears in distress.  At first I thought he was choking but it's never when he's eating or chewing on anything.The episodes last for about 20 minutes and then he recovers and begins grooming and appears OK Have you ever encountered this? Thank you.

Answer
Dear Jane,

If he's drooling, this is a red flag for molar spurs.  Sometimes these can cause enough obstruction and discomfort to effect a temporary blockage, or interfere with his ability to swallow.  That might explain the seizure-like behavior.

Please read:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/dental.html

Dwarf rabbits, with their foreshortened faces, are notorious for dental problems, and his age is about when they start to really show up.  You'll need to find an experienced rabbit vet who knows what to look for and how to treat it:

www.rabbit.org/vets

I hope this helps you get him the relief he needs.

Dana