Bladder stones cause significant pain and urinary difficulty in rabbits, requiring prompt surgical or medical treatment to restore welfare.
Bladder stones cause persistent pain with urination that is particularly distressing for rabbits as they urinate frequently. Affected rabbits show reduced litter box use, straining, hunched posture during urination, and blood-tinged urine. The pain can cause behavioral changes including aggression when handled around the abdomen. Without treatment, stones grow, cause secondary bacterial cystitis, and can obstruct the urethra - a potentially fatal emergency. Surgical removal provides immediate relief and excellent welfare outcomes when performed by an experienced rabbit veterinarian. Post-operative dietary modification - reduced calcium foods, unlimited hay, increased water intake - reduces recurrence probability and maintains long-term urinary welfare.