Gastrointestinal Stasis in Rabbits: Prevention and Care

GI stasis is one of the most common and serious welfare emergencies in pet rabbits. Understanding prevention saves lives, as this condition can be fatal within 24-48 hours without treatment.

Key Facts

GI stasis occurs when the digestive system slows or stops, causing gas build-up and toxin accumulation
The primary cause is insufficient dietary fibre — rabbits need unlimited hay as their main food
Signs include reduced or absent droppings, bloating, hunching, and refusing food
GI stasis can become fatal within 24 hours without veterinary treatment
Stress, dehydration, pain, and obesity are significant contributing factors

Welfare Considerations

Rabbits with GI stasis experience severe abdominal pain from gas accumulation. Because rabbits cannot vomit, gas cannot be expelled and builds rapidly to cause extreme distress. The condition progresses quickly: a rabbit that stops eating and producing droppings is in genuine distress and requires immediate veterinary attention. Pain in rabbits is often subtle — the quiet, hunched posture of a rabbit in pain may be mistaken for normal relaxed behaviour by inexperienced owners.

What You Can Do

Provide unlimited fresh meadow hay as the primary diet — at least 80% of food intake
Ensure constant access to fresh water to support gut motility
Learn to recognise the signs of GI stasis and contact a rabbit-specialist vet immediately
Handle rabbits gently to minimise stress — a leading GI stasis trigger
Schedule regular veterinary wellness checks including dental assessment which affects appetite