Uropsammus or Urolithiasis in Four Rabbits

Abstract

In four rabbits suffering form hematuria and dysuria due to uropsammus (urinary sand) or urolithiasis (urinary calculi), the urinary sand in one animal was manually removed, and the urinary calculi in the three other animals were surgically removed. In case one, a two-year-old female rabbit confirmed as having urinary sand, the sand was easily extruded by pushing against the lower abdomen under general anesthesia. The other three underwent urethrotomy and cystotomy under general anesthesia. Case two was a two-year-old female rabbit with two vesical calculi, 4 mm and 5 mm in diameter. Case three was a two-year-old male rabbit with several vesical calculi 5 to 8 mm in diameter, and a urethral calculus 15 mm in diameter. Case four was a three-year-old male rabbit with a urethral calculus 15 mm in diameter. The chemical analysis of the urinary sand and calculi showed that they were all composed of calcium carbonate, which we suspect might have been caused by too much intake of calcium due in a poorly balanced diet. All animals have been in good condition since the treatment, controlled by alimentary therapy. It is necessary to keep dietary calcium at an appropriate level when feeding rabbits.