UTI's, How common, how to help prevent and treat

[Shesophist]

Dear bunny lovers,

My rabbit had a UTI back near Valentines day. We brought him to the Vet, had it treated with Antibiotics. The antibiotics caused my buns to go into GI stasis and honestly, it's been a rough month for all of us. However, he's doing much much better now and is 98.9% back to his normal self.

However when the UTI started manifesting, he started peeing in unusual spots, eventually started acting lethargic and girding his teeth. We spent nearly $1,000 on getting him healthy again! WOOOH!

However, I've noticed yesterday while cleaning his condo that he's peed on the floor, similarly to before. This morning I woke up and he peed at a different spot again. Holy moly, I hope he's not feeling sick again! He hasn't been grinding his teeth and is not Lethargic.

I recently got a full time job. We use to spend all day together but now he's home alone. I can guarantee that he's got plenty of toys, food, hay in his two story condo. I'm sure he misses me, but I'm terrified he's sick again too.

I need some advice. Keep in mind that I'm still paying off the vet bills and would love to hear about different options. Can I prevent future UTI's? Aside from a visit to the Dr, do I have an alternative to knowing I he's starting another UTI?

Thanks!!

 

[squidpop]

I'm surprised no one answered this. I don't know that much about UTIs. But I suggest putting a little bit of apple cider vinegar in the water. I've read many old timers with lots of rabbit experience suggesting this. 1 tablespoon per litre of water and its best if you get the organic kind with the "live mother" this is supposed to be good for their gut as well. I think it might be good for UTIs simply because rabbits like the smell of it and it encourages them to drink more water. But whatever the reason it is recommended by a lot of people.

 

[majorv]

We've only had one rabbit (that I can remember) that got a UTI. Whenever antibiotics are prescribed it's best to give them probiotics along with the medication. Many, but not all, antibiotics play havoc on a rabbit's gut flora. By giving them Benebac it helps to keep the bad effects of antibiotics in check. Your vet should've mentioned this when he prescribed it.

Keep him drinking water is the best way to reduce this of happening again. I've also heard of ACV being used for a number of remedies but I've never tried it for UTI.