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why is my bunnys urine red?

22 10:19:35

Question
Hi I was just wondering if it is normal for my bunny urine to be red in color. They are about 8 weeks old. They are playful and acting normal.

Answer
Dear Kelley,

Rabbit urine can vary in color from pale yellow to orange, red, or even brown.  This can depend on the rabbit's state of hydration (rabbits who are dehydrated will often produce very dark urine), oral medications or other dietary items. Plant pigments can sometimes change the color of bunny urine.

At the tender age of 8 weeks, it's not likely that the red color is due to blood from a urinary tract infection or uterine problem (in females). But this can happen in adults.  Females, in particular, have a very high risk of uterine cancer, so it's important that they be spayed once they're old enough. Please read:

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

and

www.rabbit.org/health/spay.html

Hope that helps!

Dana