low calcium diet

Question
I have a rabbit who has recently lost a lot of weight and after various tests he has been diagnosed with kidney stones and stones in his bladder and urethra. He does not appear to be in any pain and is toileting normally. However, I am struggling to get any weight on him. I have been advised to feed him a low calcium diet and he is eating - just not enough! He has energy and is fine in himself, exploring and inquisitive. I would just like to know what types of food would be good for putting weight on him whilst sticking to the low calcium diet. Many thanks.

Answer
Hi,

a good hay to put him on is Orchard grass hay.  three times less calcium than tinothy hay.  Oxbow packages Orchard grass hay.

Lots of rabbit vets recommend a higher fluid diet to help the fluid pass through the stones.  Leafy greens low in calcium, like green lettuce (romaine, green leaf), endive lettuce, a little celery, italian parsley - 4 ounces a day.  Some fresh fruit low in calcium (as long as no gut problems) - like an apple slice - 1/2 ounce per day.  2-3 small carrot 'coins' a day.  Unlimited Orchard grass hay.  Put out extra water crocks in his exercise area next to his exercise litterpan area with some hay.  Encourage him to drink when he's out playing, he will use it at least once.  It will keep him better hydrated.

A good pellet timothy hay pellet from Oxbow (Bunny Basics T) or American Pet Diner.

Just introduce new things to him slowly, if he has a problem with something you want to be able to know exactly what thing he can't handle that causes him problems.