Changes

This is different than other species where the bile is the primary route of removal.

This is different than other species where the bile is the primary route of removal.

Plasma calcium concentrations can change dramatically depending on the amount of calcium in the diet. ‘High’ plasma calcium concentrations from 3–4 mmol/l (12–16 mg/dl) are commonly found in rabbits on a calcium-rich diet, such as those eating alfalfa-based pellets and alfalfa hay.

Plasma calcium concentrations can change dramatically depending on the amount of calcium in the diet. ‘High’ plasma calcium concentrations from 3–4 mmol/l (12–16 mg/dl) are commonly found in rabbits on a calcium-rich diet, such as those eating alfalfa-based pellets and alfalfa hay.

|l1=

|l1=Calcium#Calcium Homeostasis in the Rabbit

|q2= What factors could increase calcium carbonate precipitation in the urine?

|q2= What factors could increase calcium carbonate precipitation in the urine?

|a2= The two most common factors are increased dietary calcium and an increase in the urine pH.

|a2= The two most common factors are increased dietary calcium and an increase in the urine pH.

The rise of urine pH may be associated with urinary tract infection.

The rise of urine pH may be associated with urinary tract infection.

In addition, inadequate water intake can obviously lead to a more concentrated urine. The role vitamin D plays in calcium metabolism in the rabbit is controversial. Some studies indicate that high dietary concentrations of vitamin D along with high dietary calcium concentrations may predispose the rabbit to calcification of the aorta and kidney, but this is not always reproducible. For this pathology to occur, it may be necessary to maintain high concentrations of vitamin D and calcium for prolonged periods or there may be other unknown metabolic or dietary factors involved.

In addition, inadequate water intake can obviously lead to a more concentrated urine. The role vitamin D plays in calcium metabolism in the rabbit is controversial. Some studies indicate that high dietary concentrations of vitamin D along with high dietary calcium concentrations may predispose the rabbit to calcification of the aorta and kidney, but this is not always reproducible. For this pathology to occur, it may be necessary to maintain high concentrations of vitamin D and calcium for prolonged periods or there may be other unknown metabolic or dietary factors involved.

|l2=

|l2=Calcium#Calcium Homeostasis in the Rabbit

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[[Category: Small Mammals Q&A]]

[[Category: Small Mammals Q&A]]