Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis are identified as the most frequently isolated bacteria associated with urinary tract infections in pet rabbits.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical features of urinary tract infections in pet rabbits, identify the bacterial species involved and their antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, and investigate risk factors.

METHODS

In this retrospective multicentric observational study, data were retrieved from the medical records of 3 veterinary centers located in the Greater Paris region, France, between 2009 and 2025. Inclusion criteria consisted of all rabbits presented for consultation in which a urine culture had been carried out. Signalment and clinical data were analyzed for statistical associations with urine culture results (positive vs negative). Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were retrieved.

RESULTS

79 rabbits underwent urine bacterial culture. Overall, 34.2% (27 of 79) of rabbits had a positive urine culture, of which 59.3% (16 of 27) were female and 84.6% (22 of 26) had urinary sludge, 9.1% (2 of 22) urolithiasis, 33.3% (8 of 24) consistent ultrasonographic signs of pyelonephritis, and 71.4% (15 of 21) bacteria on urine microscopic examination. Most urine samples were collected by cystocentesis (94.8% [73 of 77]). The presence of bacteria on urine microscopic examination was the only statistically significant parameter associated with urinary tract infection, with a sensitivity of 71% (95% CI, 60% to 82%) and specificity of 90% (95% CI, 82% to 98%) when compared to culture results. In 74.1% (20 of 27) of cases, a single species of bacteria was isolated, with a total of 36 different isolates. The most common bacteria were Escherichia coli (27.8% [10 of 36]), Enterococcus faecalis (19.4% [7 of 36]), and Staphylococcus spp (11.1% [4 of 36]). Resistance was reported for azithromycin (66.2% [15 of 20]), penicillin (57.9% [13 of 19]), sulfonamides-trimethoprim (31.4% [11 of 35]), enrofloxacin (17.9% [5 of 28]), and ceftiofur (17.1% [6 of 35]). Overall, 52.8% (19 of 36) of bacteria were multidrug resistant.

CONCLUSIONS

Frequent resistance to empirically used antibiotics was observed. As no risk factors could be identified, larger-scale studies are needed.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bacterial isolation is common, and urine culture should be encouraged to adjust therapy in accordance with antimicrobial stewardship practices.