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Rabbit - Water infection?

22 10:05:30

Question

Keira
Hi my rabbit is a 2.5 year old lop eared and has recently been to the vets and been advised that she is obese 5k in fact. She lives in and is a well behaved and extremely loving and friendly rabbit. After the vets and having her on a more vigilant food regime she has started to smell a of stale wee i have washed her bottom and she has some fur missing from around her lower belly and it seems a little red. She is drinking lots of water and not eating much of her hay, pellets or hand full of kale she gets, however she did enjoy a piece of banana today so she has got a bit of an appetite. I have put a little nappy rash cream on her belly and put out some pure cranberry juice and my mum has gone to sit with her whilst im at work. Do you think she should go the vets, really hate taking her the vets as i know she doesnt like it but if thats whats needed i will take her, any advise would be really appreciated.

Thanks for your time

Cherryl

Answer
Hi,

it's not a water infection, it's urine scald.  Being obese with extra fat back in the vent area, can be a problem as they can't lift themselves high enough when peeing.  I would keep using the cream, but I also would probably take her back in because it's affecting her appetite, and ask for some pain meds for her (metacam) and to make sure no skin infections have set in.  The vet might have a better topical cream for you than the one you can get on your own.  Anytime it affects eating, it's a symptom that pain might be affecting them, and urine scald is painful.  So metacam, I would definitely push for that.  And because rabbit skin is so thin and delicate irritation and burning is damaging and painful and a better, more effetive helpful cream from the vet, if they have one, should be given to you.