Rabbit Web Discussion Board

Hi all,

I have a concern (actually, a few concerns) about my boy.
He was nuetered about 4 or 5 weeks ago. He is still marking and I\'m pretty sure he is still spraying. I have not SEEN him spray but, often times in the morning, I will find him in his hutch with urine all over the bottom and splatters of urine on the wall. His hocks are soaked with urine also. (makes a BIG mess when he comes out to play!!) I\'m thinking he should not be marking anymore since he was nuetered (or spraying). Is that correct??

I do have to say that his litter habits have gotten sloppy again, I may have to re-train him. I have read that sometimes it\'s necessary to do so after nuetering, would you agree?

Also, I have noticed his urine looks pinkish sometimes or dark brown. Is this an indication of blood in the urine?? I\'m not sure what color a rabbits urine is typically. His behavior is normal with the exception of his urinating on the floor every now and then since being nuetered. He is still active and is regularly grooming himself. He doesn\'t act like he does not feel well but that does not always mean there might not be something wrong.

Just curious what you all think and if you have any input. I may call the vet. Thanks all for any info. It is ALWAYS appreciated. I wish I was more \"up on the up\" to give others advice. I\'m gettin\' there though!!! Julie

Julie:

Concerning the red urine, I wouldn\'t be inclined to worry. This is very common in rabbits. Lots of things seem to trigger it (such as a sudden cold spell, beta carotene, antibiotics, etc.), but in cases where there are several rabbits with identical diets, environment, etc., some will have red urine and some won\'t. The main thing to know is that it is harmless. I would only worry if I noticed the rabbit straining or in obvious distress when urinating. The color of your \"boy\'s\" urine should change to a lighter color with no intervention at all.

As for the \'marking\' behavior...How old is your rabbit? As can happen with other species that have been altered later in life (after the male hormones have kicked in), there remains some residual \"male\" behaviors. Marking or spraying is one of these. Hopefully, with time, your rabbit will feel the need to indulge in that behavior less and less. (I know what you mean about the \"sloppiness\". I have a buck - white who is just disgusting! My other bucks are nice and clean, but this guy apparently likes to be doused in his own scent. Ugh...)

Charlcie Gill
Zodiac Rabbitry
Astoria, OR
http://www.zodiacsatins.com

I notice red urine after Petey eats certain things, especially twigs from the apple tree, etc. Also, I have noticed since Petey\'s neutering he poops outside the litter box all the time! This never happened, and I was wondering too if he is slipping a little on his litter training or just \"marking\" his territory. It does seem to be routine where he poops.

Also, what is a good average for rabbits to drink? He used to drink a lot when he was very young, but now he barely drinks anything from his water bottle ... maybe 1/3 cup a day. Any thoughts?

Thanks for the help.

I think your rabbit hasnt had time for all the hormones to get out of his system.as to how much water a rabbit drinks i dont know how big your rabbit is.how much veges he gets ,how warm it is were you live .these all affect the amount of water a rabbit drinks.bluebird

Petey is about 3 1/2 pounds, and the vet doesn\'t think he\'ll get much bigger. I usually give him just a few nibbler carrots, a little parsley and a celery slice a day, along with his normal pellets and a few treats. We live in Ohio and its pretty cold right now!

And while we are at it, he is shedding like c-r-a-z-y right now. Is this normal at this time of year? tx for the info

Is Petey inside?

Indoor home temperatures in winter often induce shedding. (We have to remember that rabbits - even domestic ones, are well-adapted to outdoor living, so they are inclined to shed more when indoors.)

Excessive shedding can also result from diet and parasites (internal and external), but Petey\'s diet sounds good and being indoors, parasites are probably not real likely.

Charlcie Gill
Zodiac Rabbitry
Astoria, OR
http://www.zodiacsatins.com