Rabbit Medicine and Surgery Q&A 20

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An owner is worried that her rabbit’s urine contains blood. She has brought in a urine sample for analysis.

Question	Answer		Article
How would you diagnose haematuria in the rabbit?	Rabbit urine can contain porphyrin pigments. This colours the urine dark brown to red and is often confused by owners with blood. Haematuria may be diagnosed either by using a urine dipstick, with a positive reaction, or by examination of the urine sediment for red blood cells. Examination of the urine under a Wood’s lamp can distinguish between the two conditions, although this is rarely necessary in clinical practice. Porphyrin pigments will fluoresce, whereas haemoglobin does not.		Link to Article
What are the differential diagnoses for this condition?	Differential diagnoses include: reproductive tract disease (uterine adenocarcinoma, uterine polyps, abortion and endometrial venous aneurysm); urinary tract disease (cystitis, bladder polyps, pyelonephritis, renal infarcts, urolithiasis); and lead toxicity.		Link to Article
What further tests would you perform to reach a diagnosis?	A thorough history should be sought and a full clinical examination undertaken prior to obtaining a sterile urine sample, either by catheterization under sedation or by cystocentesis, for analysis and culture. Radiography and ultrasonography may be used to investigate whether lesions are associated with the genital or reproductive tract. Contrast studies may be indicated with urinary tract disease. Laboratory tests such as full haematology and biochemistry should be carried out.		Link to Article