Rabbit urinalysis

Jun 15, 2023 | Small Mammals

Urinalysis is an important part of a minimum database in rabbits and can provide a multitude of information regarding the health of the rabbit.

A few points regarding normal rabbit urine:

· Rabbit urine is often cloudy due to a large amount of calcium excreted in the urine, and calcium crystals are often abundant on a wet prep exam.

· As rabbits are herbivores, their urine pH is quite alkaline. Normal urine pH in a rabbit is 8 or more. If it’s neutral or acidic, this is abnormal and can indicate metabolic acidosis.

· Specific gravity of rabbit urine has a wide normal reference range, and can vary from 1.003-1.036.

· Plant pigments can cause the urine to appear orange-red. This should be distinguished from true haematuria on dipstick or microscopy.

Photo reference:

Normal rabbit urine — Frances Harcourt-Brown

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