BLADDER SLUDGE

  What Is Bladder Sludge?

• Bladder Sludge also called hypercalciuria is a thickening of the urine with calcium salts that never form into stones. 
• Sludge may be comprised of any number of calcium salts and does not flow as normal, liquid urine should. 
• Consistency of the urine is chalk or fine sand, white to gray color. 
• Very thick sludge can have the consistency of toothpaste.
• Sludge can form in the kidneys or ureters, but most sludge is noted in the bladder. 

What Are The Signs Of Bladder Sludge?

• Your rabbit will urinate more frequently than usual and outside of the litter box. 
• They may strain to urinate.
• Or not be able to pee on their own and the bladder will need to be expressed. 
• Sometimes there will be blood in the urine. 
• Sludge ( thick white consistency urine) will appear.
• Your rabbit may have urine scald. ( appears as baldness and red, irritated skin)
• Loss of appetite and depression. 

What Kind Of Diet Should Your Rabbit Follow If They Have Bladder Sludge?    

• Consult with your vet first before making dietary changes.
• Switch your rabbit from current, to a brand like Sherwood. (This is what the rescue's vet suggested for Pepper).
• Follow instructions on the label for transitioning your rabbit's pellets.
• Introduce Sherwood's Urinary Tablet.
• Rabbits love the taste of the tablet supplement which is cranberry. 
• Increase their water intake.
• You can do this by adding fruit to the water. Either leave piece of fruit or infuse the water prior to giving them the water. 
• Increase activity. 
• Active body, promotes active gut mobility!
• Veggies:
• You want to provide your rabbit with veggies that are low in calcium. Avoid kale and spinach.
• Provide at least 3 different veggies daily.

What Are Safe Veggies To Provide Your Bun?

• Carrot Tops
• Watercress
• Dandelion Greens
• Romaine
• Cilantro
• Raspberry Leaves
• Chard
• Red Leaf