AboutDana Krempels, Ph.D. Expertise I can answer just about any question regarding rabbit BIOLOGY and HEALTH from the commonplace (e.g. "runny stool"; dental problems) to the unusual. I can also help you with the most recent information on general rabbit care, as recommended by the nation`s top rabbit veterinarians and other experts.
For the best information on rabbit care anywhere on the internet, be sure to visit www.rabbit.org and consider joining EtherBun, a free listserve about rabbit health, care, and behavior. For more information on EtherBun, visit www.bio.miami.edu/hare/etherbun.html
Experience I have lived with companion rabbits for over 30 years, and have been a rabbit rescuer for the last 13. (Our first rescue, Maggie, just celebrated her 13th birthday!) I can answer just about any question concerning rabbit biology, health, care, and behavior.
I have a Ph.D. in biology (expertise in evolutionary biology, genetics, ecology, botany, and herpetology), and have worked extensively with veterinarians who are on the cutting edge of rabbit medicine.
I own EtherBun (EtherBun@yahoogroups.com), the largest free listserve devoted to companion rabbit health, care and behavior.
Since 1998, I have answered rabbit health and care questions from all over the world via the House Rabbit Society web site (www.rabbit.org), and if I cannot answer your question, I can certainly refer you to someone who can.
Organizations belong to House Rabbit Society
Publications Exotic DVM
Warren Peace (Journal of the House Rabbit Society of Miami)
Various newsletters of the House Rabbit Society, nationwide
Education/Credentials Ph.D - Biology
B.S. - Biology
B.A. - English
Awards and Honors Lightspan Academic Excellence Award for web site on rabbit health and biology
(http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare)
Question I have a 2 year old male Flemish Giant rabbit.(not neuter) I saw him pee blood and took him to the vet. The vet did a Xray and found that he has kidney stones. I have been treating him for about two weeks to help melt the stones away. Some of them have gone, but still have some.
I give him 2cc of Sulfatrim Suspension twice a day, and 100cc of Lactated Ringers once a day, he also is getting 500mg of Vitamin C. He does not eat as much as he did before, but still is eating. I have listed his last blood
results from 6/30/08.
BUN/UREA 52mg/dl, CA 15.2mg/dl, CREA 6.7mg/dl, PHOS 3.2mg/dl. His blood level was very low, where the color of his eyes where more pink, than red. This has improved and his color are much clearer.
I have taken him off of Alpha pellets for these are high in calcium. Is there something else I can do to help him
melt these kidney stones. Should I have them surgical removed or is what I am doing enough. He does not seem to be in any pain,he plays and acts the same.
Any thing you can give me would be great.
Thank you for being available to answer my questions
Jeani Soares
Answer Dear Jeani,
Kidney stones really cannot be surgically removed in a rabbit without doing serious damage. If the stones are gradually going away, I'd keep up the treatment and hope for the best, especially if he's acting fine.
At the moment, his blood values for kidney function are not the best. His BUN and creatinine are both high, though his phosphorus is in the normal range. This suggests that the stones have done some damage. But I hope with supportive care and continued treatment, he will be able to deal with it for a long time to come. If he is anemic, then it's possible that his adrenal function is also compromised, as this is where epogen is made, which stimulates the production of red blood cells. Hence, anemia often accompanies renal disease.
I think the condition is being treated as well as it can be. All that's to be done now is hope for recovery. And give him lots of love and spoiling! :)
