Urinating outside of litter tray

[Zigzag]

Hi there,

Hoping someone might be able to help. One of my buns, Zigzag, has started peeing outside the litter tray. Both of my bunnies are free range in the front room, but when we wake up they’re allowed access across the flat. However, they only tend to go in one of our side bedrooms, which they love!

About 2-3 weeks ago Zigzag started doing urinated in the morning in the side bedroom, which is really unusual. He did this a few times, only in the side bedroom. It’s quite a lot of wee, and not a drop. The pee was quite strong smelling, and Twick vets prescribed baytril. We’ve finished the 10 day course (Sunday), but he then urinated in the side bedroom this morning. (He didn’t really have access during the baytril course).

He only wees outside the litter tray in the side bedroom, and it’s always in the morning.

Could this be behavioural rather than a UTI?

He’s neutered, as is Winnie. He’s a senior bunny, and will be 11 in August.

 

[keletkezes]

Is that bedroom connected to the neighbours? Could be something like that, territorial? No idea but popping ideas out there

 

[joey&boo]

Is the litter tray in the bedroom as easy to get in to as the lounge one? and does it have the same stuff in it ?

 

[KCG]

I could have thought of the possibility of an UTI as the rabbit was neutered a long time ago. But I'm not as knowledgeable as the people in the forum. They can tell you something more accurate.

 

[Zigzag]

The bedroom does connect to the neighbour’s, but this has never been a problem before, and they don’t make much noise. But good thinking- I didn’t think of that

There isn’t a litter tray in the side bedroom- our flat’s so tiny I never thought to put one in there, as they go in and out of the front room.

But I will put one in there. I should have thought if that

Thanks xx

 

[joey&boo]

Maybe he is not quite so good at crossing his legs now he is getting on a bit. I wouldn't say you should have thought of it. J&B only have one tray, no bun wants more litter trays than necessary I'd have thought

 

[bunny momma]

Did vet check him for sludge or a stone in his bladder? Does he pee in same area of room?

 

[InspectorMorse]

Sounds behavioural to me. Unless he finds hopping into a litter tray tricky due to a touch of age related arthritis. So he has decided on a new place to wee that does not involve having to hop into a tray. Are his hocks a bit thin on fur/ bald/sore ? This can be a red flag for reduced mobility.

 

[AnjaSanja]

It is either behavioral or health issue. Liver, kidney, joint problems...? I would do bloodwork to se how organs are doing.

 

[Zigzag]

Thank you for the suggestions guys. I do think it’s behavioural. He hasn’t urinated in the main room today, but I’m sure he would have if he’d been in the side bedroom!

Jane he does have arthritis, and is on metacam twice a day. He gets in and out of the litter tray easily in the main room. He has calluses and bald spots, and Christabel has advised putting sudocream on these areas, but I’m reluctant to do so.

Bunnymomma and Anja- I may ask the vet whether bloods need to be done and if sludge could be an issue. I’ve thought this before.

 

[tulsi]

I have used a grow bag tray for older rabbits. Shorter sides to get over than their 32 litre under bed storage boxes.