Rabbit GI Stasis Emergency Recognition

Gastrointestinal stasis is a life-threatening condition in rabbits where gut motility stops. Rapid recognition and treatment are essential for rabbit welfare and survival.

Key Facts

GI stasis occurs when peristalsis slows or stops causing gas accumulation and painful bloating
A rabbit not eating or producing droppings for more than 4-6 hours requires immediate veterinary attention
Stress, inadequate hay intake, dehydration and pain from other conditions commonly trigger stasis
Treatment includes analgesia, gut motility drugs, fluids and gentle exercise to stimulate movement
A diet of at least 80% unlimited grass hay is the single most important GI stasis prevention measure

Welfare Considerations

GI stasis causes severe abdominal pain from gas distension and can progress to fatal bowel rupture within hours. Rabbits hide pain effectively meaning owners may not recognize the emergency until the animal is critically ill. Immediate veterinary assessment for any rabbit that has stopped eating or producing droppings is a welfare imperative.

What You Can Do

Ensure rabbits have unlimited access to fresh grass hay at all times as their primary diet
Monitor droppings daily and seek emergency veterinary care if production stops for more than 4-6 hours
Keep a rabbit-savvy emergency vet contact ready as stasis is a genuine out-of-hours emergency
Provide daily exercise and minimize stress to support normal gut motility
Learn to palpate rabbit abdomen gently to recognize gas distension signs