What can/should the owner do with these illnesses?

Many rabbits and guinea pigs suffer from bladder stones or bladder grit.

The most common are calcium stones or calcium grit.

The first symptoms are often changes in urine output. The animals are damp or even wet in the abdominal area and genital area. The urine smells strongly and may even be bloody. The animals squeeze the urine out of the bladder and often make painful noises when they urinate.

The animals are very restless, often behave aggressively and eat poorly.

In the course of an unnoticed illness, general health can deteriorate dramatically.

At the first signs of illness, the animal should be taken to a veterinarian immediately. Stone/crystal formation can be diagnosed using x-rays/ultrasound and necessary treatment (medication/surgery) can be initiated.

What are the most common causes of bladder stones?

• Incorrect feeding with an oversupply of calcium
• Exclusive feeding with dry food
• the animals drink too little
• too little exercise / being overweight

> If stone/grit formation is diagnosed, immediately change feeding and husbandry!!

The cage should be adapted to the size and number of animals. Obesity must be avoided at all costs; regular weighing makes sense. When taking it out of the cage, for example when cleaning it, the entire animal should be checked for any changes.

Check the food and water supply:

• fresh water must always be available. Drinking bottle AND water bowl, preferably still mineral water (low in calcium), the water in KA has a lot of calcium.
• The animals should be fed mainly with fresh food, so the animals take in additional water. The increased water intake dilutes the urine and possibly allows grit to be flushed out.
• fresh grass, meadow herbs, leafy vegetables, fruit, birch leaves, dried nettle, fruit and vegetable juices (without sugar)
• The animals should receive so much juice feed that only a small amount of hay is consumed
• Avoid dandelion, parsley, kohlrabi leaves, clover and dried herbs
• Do not feed herb-rich hay
• Avoid grains, hard bread, green rollies, ready-made food and LIMESTONE.

From the field of alternative medicine, additional medications can be used to dissolve stones. Please speak to your veterinarian.

If the disease has clearly healed, an increase in feed can be discussed with the treating veterinarian.

introduction

Bladder stones and bladder grit in rabbits and guinea pigs can be a painful and disturbing experience for both the small pets and their concerned owners. This comprehensive guide highlights this important topic and will help you recognize the symptoms, understand the causes, apply appropriate treatment methods, and implement effective prevention strategies.

Bladder stones and bladder grit: what are they?

Before we jump into the details, let's take a quick look at what these two terms are all about.

• Bladder stones (urolithiasis): These are hard, stone-like deposits that can form in the urinary bladder of rabbits and guinea pigs. They are made up of minerals and other substances that are normally dissolved in urine.
• Bladder grit (struvite): These are fine-grained, sand-like deposits in the urinary bladder. They form when certain minerals, particularly magnesium, ammonium and phosphate, combine in the urine.

Causes of bladder stones and bladder grit in rabbits and guinea pigs

There are several factors that can contribute to the formation of bladder stones and bladder grit in rabbits and guinea pigs. Here are some of the most common ones:

1. Diet: An unbalanced diet rich in calcium and/or phosphorus may increase the risk of bladder stones and bladder grit. A lack of fluid intake can also contribute to the formation of these deposits.
2. Genetic predisposition: Some animals are genetically more susceptible to the formation of bladder stones and bladder grit.
3. Infections: Bacterial infections in the urinary tract can lead to inflammation, which promotes the formation of bladder stones and bladder grit.
4. Lack of exercise: Lack of exercise can cause urine to build up in the bladder and increase the concentration of minerals, which promotes the formation of deposits.

Symptoms and diagnosis of bladder stones and bladder grit in rabbits and guinea pigs

If your rabbit or guinea pig is affected by bladder stones or bladder grit, some signs may include:

1. Frequent urination: Animals may try to urinate more frequently than usual to relieve the pain and discomfort they are feeling.
2. Blood in the urine: In some cases, blood may appear in the urine, indicating irritation or injury to the urinary tract.
3. Signs of pain: Affected animals may show signs of pain, such as restlessness, loss of appetite, grinding of teeth, or unusual posture.
4. Difficulty urinating: Animals may have difficulty urinating or even stop urinating altogether if debris blocks the flow of urine.

To diagnose bladder stones or bladder grit in your rabbit or guinea pig, a veterinarian should be consulted. This doctor can carry out a physical examination and, if necessary, use further diagnostic procedures such as x-rays or ultrasound scans to determine the exact cause of the symptoms.

Treatment of bladder stones and bladder grit in rabbits and guinea pigs

Treatment for bladder stones and bladder grit depends on the size and type of deposits as well as the condition of the animal. Some possible treatment options are:

1. Drug treatment: For smaller bladder stones or bladder grit, medications can be used to dissolve the deposits and reduce inflammation in the urinary tract.
2. Diet management: Adjusting diet to reduce calcium and phosphorus and increase fluid intake can help dissolve existing deposits and prevent future deposits.
3. Surgical removal: In severe cases , especially larger bladder stones that block urine flow, surgical removal may be necessary.
4. Antibiotics: If there is a bacterial infection in the urinary tract, the veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.

Prevention of bladder stones and bladder grit in rabbits and guinea pigs

To minimize the risk of bladder stones and bladder grit in your rabbit or guinea pig, you should take the following measures:

1. Balanced Diet: Make sure your pet is fed a balanced diet that is high in fiber and low in calcium and phosphorus.
2. Adequate fluid intake: Ensure your pet has access to fresh, clean water at all times to ensure adequate fluid intake and dilute urine concentration.
3. Regular exercise: Make sure your rabbit or guinea pig gets enough exercise to promote bladder emptying and maintain urine flow.
4. Regular Veterinary Visits: Schedule regular veterinary visits to monitor your pet's overall health and detect any signs of bladder stones or bladder grit early.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

Bladder stones and bladder grit in rabbits and guinea pigs are serious health problems that can cause pain and discomfort. By recognizing the symptoms, initiating proper treatment, and taking preventative measures, you can help promote your small pet's well-being and improve their quality of life. Always remember to seek veterinary advice if you suspect bladder stones or bladder grit.

Your Dr. Horst Dieter Krause