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Treatment

Treatment may require correction of any fluid deficiencies that exist using a saline or other balanced solution to correct electrolyte imbalances in the body, or to help reduce renal injury that is associated with heart conditions. Once the condition of dehydration is corrected and balanced electrolytes are established, the rabbit must be carefully monitored to ensure its complete recovery.

Rabbits must eat a well-balanced and planned diet, one that will improve appetite and reduce the risk of future urinary tract disorders or infections. Your veterinarian will schedule follow-up visits to monitor and follow inactive nephroliths and ureteroliths in the body to ensure that they do not require removal and to monitor any increases in their size over time.

Living and Management

The expected outcome varies from patient to patient, often depending on the age of the rabbit and the severity of the disease at the time of diagnosis. With proper care and attention, along with long-term assistance, the outlook for many rabbits is good.

It is important that your rabbit continue to eat during and following treatment. Encourage oral fluid intake by offering fresh water, wetting leafy vegetables, or flavoring water with vegetable juice, and offer a large selection of fresh, moistened greens such as cilantro, romaine lettuce, parsley, carrot tops, dandelion greens, spinach, collard greens, and good-quality grass hay. Feed timothy and grass hay instead of alfalfa hay. Recurrence is not uncommon, so it is important to decrease risk factors such as obesity, a sedentary life, and a poor diet.

A combination of a lowered calcium diet, increased exercise, and increased water consumption for the remainder of the rabbit's life are all highly advised for the long-term health of the rabbit.