BLADDER STONES

Question
I HAVE A PRECIOUS BUN WHO, AFTER A VISIT TO THE VET, WE FOUND OUT HAS A BLADDER STONE. THEY KEPT HER OVERNIGHT, SENT HER HOME WITH ANTIBIOTICS, PAIN MEDS, AND SPECIAL SYRINGE FOOD. SHE IS STILL HAVING A LITTLE DIFFICULITY DRINKING WATER AND IS SCHEDULED FOR BLADDER STONE REMOVAL ON THURSDAY. MY QUESTION IS, WHAT CAN I DO TO ENCOURAGE WATER INTAKE UNTIL THAT TIME? IS SYRINGE FEEDING WATER OK? WHAT IS THE GENERAL PROGNOSIS OF RABBITS WHO HAVE THIS PROCEDURE?

Answer
Dear Jennifer,

If she won't drink a lot of water, then provide her with plenty of fresh, wet greens. This will keep her well hydrated until she has her procedure.  Syringe feeding is okay, as long as she takes it readily. But don't risk a struggle that might make her aspirate (inhale) water, which could cause problems.

In general, a cystotomy to remove a bladder stone is a pretty serious surgery, but success rate is very high, if the vet who does the surgery is very experienced with rabbit surgery and anesthesia.  To be sure your vet is one of these, please check the list linked here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

or be sure your vet has lots of experience in this area.  This is key.

We had one bunny have a bladder stone removed, and after about a week of discomfort he was completely back to normal and never had a recurrence.  He was about 8 at the time, and lived to be 14.

I'm sure your bunny will be fine, and she will certainly be a lot more comfortable once this is done, and she's on the road to recovery and good health.  I'm sending healing thoughts!

Dana