Poorly rabbit?

[spiff]

I've got a four year old rabbit who has over the past week has developed a raging thirst. He dinks two full bottles a day,sometimes more.He's eating ok,and apart from this thirst seems fine.A friend suggested it could be his kidneys failing,and if so there is nothing much you can do. Any help / advice/ recommendations? Cheers.

[Cetti]

Could be diabetes, but a visit to your vet with your bun is essential for a proper diagnosis.

[spiff]

Cheers Cetti.Will do. There's nothing much they'll be able to do i suppose,but it's worth a try. The little fella seems happy enough at the moment,which is a good thing.x

[Tat]

if it is diabetes you may be able to inject it with insulin every day. my friend has a diabetic cat who she injects daily. hope he's ok! xx

[wildwood]

But lets hope that the bunny is OK and the problem is simply that there is a bit of dirt on the ball bearing in the end of the drinking tube which makes it leak.

[Cetti]

spiff - If your bun gets a clean bill of health from the vet check out wildwood's suggestion - also a tiny split in the bottle will have the same effect. Another possibility ......Is bun in the shade during the Summer months? Ignore the last bit as I'm sure you've a lot more sense than we had - when we first had our rabbit we practically fried her!

I do hope it's good news from the vet - please let us know.

[cobweb]

If it your rabbit is diagnosed with failing kidneys via blood test you could ask your vet about prescribing a drug Fortrekor 5 to slow down any deterioration. My cat has been on it for 2 years and it gave her a new lease of life...not sure if it can be prescribed to rabbits though! It was originally used as a drug for dogs with heart problems and kidney boost was discovered as an added benefit. Worth a try. good luck.

[honkytonkman]

Is his cage in full sunlight? With this recent spell of hot weather he could be feeling dehydrated...

[spiff]

Thank you all for your help and advice! Mr.Bun went to the vet,and all he had was a mild infection.He's drinking normally now,so all is well. It's amazing how you can really worry over such things isn't it? Once again,thank you all. xx

[Cetti]

Oh spiff what great news and thank you for posting as I'm sure I'm not the only one who has been concerned about your bun's health :-))