As a rabbit owner, it is necessary to keep your rabbit healthy and free from diseases. Do you know? Bunnies can have urinary problems which lead to skin irritation, inflammation and potential hair loss. “Urine Scald in Rabbits” is one of the most common problem which is also known as “hutch burn” is and uncomfortable situation which is caused by the soaking of urine in rabbit’s fur.
What happens usually when a rabbit urinates? The answer to this question is that they stand in a specified way, just to avoid the urine from immersing their fur. In some cases especially when your bunny is ill, they might not be able to stand properly on their own which can make them wet. This occurs either under their tummies or near the genitals areas.
If urine on the body remains for the longer period not only makes rabbit feel uncomfortable or smelly, but can cause several skin problems. This results in the potential hair loss, inflammation, skin irritation, and also burn like sores or the fly strikes.
What is Urine Scald?
Urine Scald in Rabbits is also understood by the name itself. As you know rabbit can’t clean themselves, the urine on the body results in the irritation and also burns or damage the skin. This problem is also termed as the hutch burn, urine burn and wet tail.
Also Read: How to Keep Rabbits Cool in The Summer? Expert Tips & Tricks
This issue usually happens near bunnies’ rear end which infects the feet and belly, whenever your furry friend regularly sits in its own urine.
If this problem remains untreated in rabbit can lead to many problems like moist dermatitis and other skin issues. This may also cause the dry and crack skin which makes an entry for the bacteria, resulting in the skin infections.
The flies attract the essence of urine which causes flystrike, a very painful condition that turns dangerously fast.
Urine Scald in Rabbit Symptoms and Cause
There are some of the symptoms and causes of urine scald in rabbits, including:
Symptoms Are:
Several patches and loss fur around the back legs
Red, inflamed skin and open wounds down the rear legs
Foul smell and discolored fur
Continuous scratching and biting in the affected areas
Soaked patches on their tail, bottom and belly
Crystal clear and visual stains on the hind legs
Causes Are:
This problem generally occurred by the following factors:
Issues like Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) or other urinary problems affect the flow of urine
Bladder sludge or stones that may lead to dribbling and urinary incontinence
Unhygienic environment that results in bacterial infections and skin conditions
Dental problems or bad diet makes grooming hard and painful
Other health issues like Arthritis can cause disabilities and hip dysplasia.
Injury or amputation that infects the rabbit’s mobility and ability to groom by themselves
Problems like uterine cancer and other issues can leads to increase in weight and hormonal imbalances.
Do You Know? Rabbit’s immune system is generally weakened by the stress and illness which is prone to more infections.
Some external parasites or flystrikes may leads to skin infections and irritation.
The severity of urine scald can vary depending on the underlying cause and the rabbit’s overall health. It is important to seek veterinary care if you notice any symptoms of urine scald in your bunny.
Urine Scald Rabbit Treatments
If you have a pet bunny, always ensure to provide them a clean and hygiene toilet.
Also Read: Flystrike in Rabbits- Causes, Signs, Treatment, and Prevention
Here are some common ideas of the treatments that might help you:
Home Treatment:
Cleanliness:
Always ensure to clean your rabbit’s living environment. And litter box to avoid the prolonged exposure to urine.
If you observe that your bunny’s fur is wet with urine, always ensure to clean the area gently by warm or mild water. Use rabbit friendly antiseptic soap because it is essential to keep the clean and dry.
Some use the litter box for cats that have self cleaning components which helps to avoid the issues.
Barrier Cream:
To protect the skin from urines, apply a pet friendly barrier cream or an ointment.
It is advising to contact an avian vet before going for any topical treatments.
Veterinary Treatment:
Medication:
If this problem has caused the bacterial skin infection, may be the vet direct the use of antibiotics. The topical creams and ointments may be used to soothe the skin and promote healings.
Pain Management:
If you observe the discomfort signs in your bunny, then contact a vet. They may prescribe some pain relief medication.
Addressing Underlying Issues:
It happens because of the obesity, arthritis, dental disease, UTI or any kidney disease. So, your pet vet will work on handling or curing these issues to avoid any instances of urine scald.
Fluid Therapy:
Your vet may direct some fluid therapy in case of dehydration from the excess urine.
Dietary Modifications:
If you observe that your bunny’s diet is suffering from any urinary or bowel problems, then vet may advise some changes to the diet.
Always remember, home care can help it out, as you know urine scald is a serious problem that requires the veterinary attention. Always contact a vet if you notice any signs that your rabbit is suffering from urine scald.
How to Prevent Urine Scald in Rabbits?
As you know, prevention is better than cure. The following are the steps that you can adopt to avoid the urine scald in bunnies:
Also Read: Snuffles in Rabbits and its Symptoms, Prevention, & Treatment
Clean the hutch and enclosure daily, detach the dirty bedding promptly.
Select the absorbent bedding substances like as paper based products and fleece liners that blow away the moisture.
Seek for the symptoms of underlying the health conditions and address them as soon as possible with a vet.
Make sure that your bunny is consuming a well balanced and healthy diet. Prevent the excess alfalfa, as this can results in maximizing the calcium in the urine and the form of bladder sludge.
Uplift your bunny to drink the adequate amount of water, which helps to dilute the urine.
Provide the exercise that helps with normal health and can help to avoid the obesity.
Always make sure that your bunny can easily use the litter trays, not having to jump or climb over anything.
Continuously groom your bunny to avoid the matted fur and keep the coat clean.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What Does Urine Scald Look Like on Rabbit?
This is seen as red, inflamed and raw skin which is often moist or crusty that is around the hindquarters, belly or genitals. The furs can be lost, and the area may have some foul smell.
Is Urine Scald More Painful for Rabbits?
This is considering as the most painful for bunnies leads to discomfort, irritation and may have the burning sensations.
What Antibiotics Can be Used to Treat for Urine Scald in Rabbit?
Your avian vet will choose the best antibiotic for bunnies which relies on the particular bacteria that is involved. But they have some common antibiotics for bunnies that may consists of enrofloxacin and trimethoprim sulfa.
What Cream is Good for Rabbit Urine Scald?
Some creams like Vaseline and zinc oxide that help the skin to heal by repelling moisture. Some bunny owners may use the calendula cream or Bag Balm which help to heal the skin.
How Do You Clean Rabbits Feet Urine?
Normally soak your bunnies feet in warm and mild water, pat try with a soft towel. And apply a vet which approved by a barrier cream. Prevent scrubbing and keep the area neat, clean, dry and well embedded.
Verdict Up: Urine Scald in Rabbits
This problem indicates that your bunny is in discomfort, may be due to hygiene problem, a health condition and the mobility limitations. By analyzing the causes and recognizing the symptoms early, the bunny owner can take the proactive steps to cure the problems and avoid it from recurring.
Also Read: Rabies in Rabbits and its Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
The right care, attention and the veterinarian support can make a full recovery in the rabbit and enjoy a clean and comfortable life.
Do you have any experience, tips, tricks, or query regarding on this? You can drop a comment!
Have a Nice Day!!
