GI Stasis in Rabbits
August 6th, 2007 by you
GI Stasis, or Gastrointestinal Stasis, is a very common ailment in rabbits; however, it can also be very deadly. It happens when a mixture of food and hair ends up forming a hard mass in the stomach, and it cannot pass through to the intestines.
Rabbits, unlike cats, cannot cough up hairballs. Instead, the mass grows as the rabbit eats, and becomes harder and more compact, causing great pain to the rabbit. It also traps gas inside, which, again, is very painful for your bunny. When this happens, if there is no treatment, the likelihood of a rabbit surviving this on its own is slim.
Symptoms of GI Stasis include refusal to eat, very small or no droppings, and lethargy. Some bunnies try to eat, but can’t seem to chew their food. They also begin refusing water as well.
If your rabbit is displaying these symptoms, it is essential to bring your bunny to a very experienced rabbit veterinarian IMMEDIATELY. If your normal vet will see rabbits but is inexperienced with this problem, do not waste any time, and find another vet that has experience. Find a rabbit-savvy vet before you experience this problem so you aren’t scrambling in an emergency situation.
A vet will typically order x-rays of your rabbit at different angles to see how big the mass is, and if it is, in fact, GI Stasis. Once it is determined that GI Stasis is the problem, the vet will begin treating it right away. Treatment consists of a feeding of a food such as Oxbow Critical Care, a high fiber powdered food that is mixed with water and force fed through a syringe. Most rabbits, by the time they are showing symptoms, refuse to eat, and have to be force-fed. Water is also an essential part of treatment – they must have lots of water to assist with breaking up the blockage. Vets will give sub-q fluids to assure the rabbit is receiving the proper amount of hydration. Vets will also administer pain medications, along with any needed antibiotic, and other medicines designed to help break up the blockage.
If your vet tries to have you give your rabbit Laxatone, DO NOT USE THIS. It will only make the problem worse. It’s a lubricant designed to help slide things through the intestine, however, it only ends up coating the blockage with a petroleum gel, which actually makes it harder to break up the blockage. The intestine cannot pass a large mass through – it must be broken with up water and high fiber foods so it can pass through in smaller bits.
Some vets will also recommend feeding yogurt to your bunny. While this will help them receive some nourishment, it is mostly sugar, which can contribute to the problem. It also does not have the necessary fiber which is needed to break up the blockage.
If you notice any of the previously mentioned symptoms, immediately take your rabbit to a vet that is experienced with dealing with GI Stasis. This is to be considered an emergency, and quick actions must be taken to save your rabbit.
If you’re looking for a rabbit vet in your area, check out http://www.rabbit.org/vets/vets.html. It has a list of vets around the country that are experienced in treating rabbits. Another resource I’ve used in Utah is the Bird & Exotic Pet Hospital. Dr. Orr is highly experienced with rabbits, and has treated many cases of GI Stasis.
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