Spring/Summer 2026 Newsletter - Holmer Veterinary Surgery

Sadly some rabbits are still sold individually or a bonded rabbit is left alone due to the loss of their companion, when this happens it is important to follow the careful process of bonding rabbits to a new partner. The ideal place to source a second rabbit is from a reputable rescue centre, not only improving your own rabbits mental wellbeing but also that of the rescue bunny. Rescue rabbits are more likely to have been neutered, vet checked and vaccinated ready to be rehomed, the centre should be able to offer advice on the bonding process. Many good rescue centres will also offer a service to pair your rabbit to a new companion, whereby you leave your rabbit at the rescue centre to meet potential new partners (somewhat like speed dating without the speed!). Being given the chance to interact with different potential companions will allow your rabbit the opportunity to find the best match, some rabbits will hit it off straight away whilst others may take some time to settle, unfortunately some rabbits just never get on. Meeting in a mutually unfamiliar environment can reduce the chance of territorial behaviour and so aid mixing process. It is important to do your research to ensure you are using a reputable rescue centre, look for reviews, look for recommendations and make sure you are able to visit the establishment to ensure they are set up to meet all rabbit welfare needs.

Bladder cancer – Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is the most common type of bladder tumour. TCCs typically develop in the region of the bladder called the ‘trigone’ situated just in front of the urethra. Initially symptoms are typically that of cystitis, haematuria may be observed. As a bladder TCC progresses it can grow to partially or completely obstruct urine outflow, in addition TCC’s have metastatic potential (secondary tumours developing elsewhere in the body).
Prostatic disease- in male dogs the urethra passes through the prostate. Enlargement of the prostate can lead to compression of the urethra and signs of dysuria. Older entire male dogs frequently develop a benign enlargement of their prostate called benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), which whilst asymptomatic in some patients can lead to signs of dysuria, straining to defecate and occasionally vomiting. Prostatitis in dogs develops when the prostate becomes infected, as well as presenting with dysuria dogs with prostatitis will often be unwell, suffer a fever, present with abdominal or back pain, they may have vomiting and/or present with constipation, severe infections can be life threatening due to the development septicaemia and/or shock. Prostatic cancer, typically carcinoma, signs are similar to BPH but as the condition progresses more generalised signs of weight loss, loss of appetite, hind limb weakness, breathing issues including a persistent cough may develop due to metastatic spread to the lungs.
Vaginal abnormalities- benign changes (e.g. polyps, prolapse) and malignant masses (e.g. leiomyosarcoma, carcinoma) of the vaginal or vulva can present as a female dog straining to urinate, there may be haematuria, a physical mass protruding from the vagina may be evident.
Reflex dyssynergia – when the contraction of the bladder wall muscle and the relaxation of the urethral sphincter muscles go out of sync the patient is unable to urinate properly, the condition is most commonly seen in middle aged to older dogs, more so large breed males. Sometimes the problem has no known cause (idiopathic) or can be associated with neurological issues of the lower back, German Shepherds and other large/giant breeds appear to be predispose.

Assessment of urine including analysis of a fresh sample under the microscope can aid in the diagnosis of urolithiasis, however identification of stone type often needs for the stone to be surgically removed and sent for mineral analysis. Culture of a urine sample collected directly from the bladder (cystocentesis) is used to identify any bacteria and determine the most appropriate antibiotics. Prostatic samples may be collected through a urinary catheter for investigation of prostatic disease in male dogs. In an unwell patient bloods will be indicated to assess for any metabolic issues which may be a cause or consequence of the urinary tract condition. Biopsy of vaginal masses may be indicated but biopsy of bladder masses is not recommended due to the risk of seeding (locally spreading) cancer cells. A specialist test on urine (BRAF) can be performed to try and help diagnosis of TCC but only cancers developing due to specific cell mutations can be identified, reports suggesting this is present in around 80% of bladder TCCs.

What are the treatment options for my dysuric dog?

Given the wide variety of causes the treatment options for a dysuric dog depend on the cause of the condition.

Cystitis – uncomplicated cases will usually settle with a course of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, any underlying conditions should be appropriately treated/managed.
Uroliths- Struvite uroliths can be managed medically with diet and a long course of antibiotics if occurring secondary to a UTI, however the process can take months so surgical management is often preferred for a quicker resolution. Stones in the urethra are ideally flushed back into the bladder and removed using a procedure called a cystotomy, if the stones cannot be moved (more likely to occur in male dogs) then a urethrostomy is performed creating a permanent hole in the penis to allow urine to pass. Stones collected are sent for analysis to determine their composition which may lead to further tests to investigate a potential underlying cause and/or identify an appropriate diet to be used to prevent urolith recurrence.
Bladder cancer can progress at a variable rate with therapies aimed to slow progression not cure, simple medications are often effective and various forms of chemotherapy have been found to offer some benefit, but this varies on a case-by-case basis. Surgery to place a cystotomy tube is sometimes used as part of a palliative treatment plan.
Prostatic disease- BPH can be managed medically or surgically via castration. Prostatitis is managed by a combination of castration and antibiotics. Prostatic cancer tends to be aggressive although caught early surgical options are available at referral, radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment options can also improve survival time.
Vaginal masses- benign lesions generally occur under the influence of hormones so spaying is recommended alongside surgical removal of the mass, as appropriate. Treatment of malignant tumours requires surgery to remove the mass where possible, this may be enough for some locally invasive tumours caught early, for cancer types with risk of metastasis chemotherapy is also often recommended.
Reflex dyssynergia- idiopathic causes may be managed medically, underlying causative conditions should be treated/managed appropriately.

Bonding Rabbits

What you should know and do to introduce a new companion to your existing rabbit:

Help my dog cannot pee!