Rabbit GI Stasis: Recognition and Emergency Care

GI stasis is a life-threatening digestive emergency in rabbits where gut motility stops. Rapid recognition and treatment is essential — delays of even a few hours can be fatal.

Key Facts

GI stasis occurs when the rabbit gut slows or stops moving, causing gas accumulation and toxic bacterial overgrowth
Stress, inadequate fibre intake, pain from other conditions, and dehydration are common triggers
An affected rabbit stops eating and producing droppings — the gut should never be completely silent for more than a few hours
Gut sounds can be assessed by placing an ear against the rabbit's flank — gurgling is normal, silence is an emergency
Treatment includes gut motility drugs, pain relief, fluid therapy, and force-feeding critical care formula
A rabbit not eating for more than 12 hours requires urgent veterinary assessment, not a wait-and-see approach

Welfare Considerations

GI stasis causes rapidly escalating suffering — gas accumulation in the static gut causes intense pain that prevents the rabbit from eating, drinking, or resting comfortably. The pain itself then worsens the stasis, creating a vicious cycle. Rabbits that are not treated within hours of onset face progressive deterioration. Owner education on recognising the very early signs — reduced droppings, hunched posture, reluctance to eat hay — is the most important welfare intervention.

What You Can Do

Monitor your rabbit's dropping production daily — any reduction warrants immediate concern
Provide unlimited hay at all times as the primary dietary component to maintain gut motility
Seek emergency veterinary care for any rabbit that has not eaten or produced droppings for more than 6 hours
Check gut sounds by placing your ear or a stethoscope against the flank — silence means call the vet now
Administer prescribed gut motility drugs and pain relief promptly when stasis is diagnosed
Keep syringe feeding supplies (Critical Care) at home as an emergency resource for confirmed stasis cases