Understanding Why Rabbits Have High Urinary Calcium Lev

What is Rabbit Urinary Calcium?

Let's start by explaining what urinary calcium is. It refers to the measurement of calcium content in a 24hour urine sample. Calcium is one of the most abundant elements in any living organism, with an average total body content of about 1kg, most of which is stored in the bones. Rabbit urinary calcium occurs when the liquid excreted by rabbits appears milky, yellow, or cloudy with sediment, leaving a white residue after drying. This indicates that the rabbit is suffering from urinary calcium. Normally, the urine of domestic rabbits should be clear. If urinary calcium occurs, it is usually due to the rabbit consuming an excessive amount of calcium. Note: If a rabbit consistently has urinary calcium, it can put a strain on its kidneys and, in severe cases, lead to urethral or kidney stones.

Can Rabbit Urinary Calcium Harm Them?

For young rabbits, there is no need to worry too much if they have urinary calcium. Young rabbits are in a stage of growth and require a certain amount of alfalfa hay daily to supplement the nutrients needed for their development. Therefore, occasional calciumuria in young rabbits is not a big issue, as long as it doesn't happen frequently.

However, once rabbits reach adulthood (after 6 months), they no longer need to be fed alfalfa hay daily. As rabbits slow down their growth rate, they no longer require a large amount of nutrition. Continuing to feed them a lot of alfalfa hay can easily lead to urinary calcium. Note: If adult rabbits continue to have urinary calcium, it can put a strain on their kidneys and, in severe cases, lead to kidney stones.

What to Do About Rabbit Urinary Calcium?

After rabbits reach 6 months of age, adjust their diet by reducing or eliminating highcalcium foods such as rabbit food and alfalfa hay. Instead, switch to timothy hay and lowcalcium foods.

Provide rabbits with clean and ample water to help their kidneys excrete excess calcium.

Encourage rabbits to have at least one hour of sunlight daily, as sunlight helps rabbits synthesize vitamin D, which aids in the absorption of calcium.

Understanding rabbit urinary calcium can be helpful. Keep in mind that occasional calciumuria in young rabbits is not a concern, but if adult rabbits frequently have urinary calcium, it's important to seek veterinary care.