Gastrointestinal stasis is the most common life-threatening emergency in domestic rabbits and is closely linked to diet, stress, and pain from other conditions.
GI stasis causes intense discomfort from gas distension and gut cramps — rabbits in stasis are in significant pain. The condition is often secondary to another welfare problem: dental disease, inadequate hay, or psychological stress. Recognising and acting quickly is life-saving, but the welfare case is primarily preventive: hay-based diets that maintain gut motility, regular dental assessment, and stress-free environments prevent the chain of events that leads to stasis. Every rabbit owner should know the warning signs.