Rabbit GI Stasis and Gut Motility

Gastrointestinal stasis is a life-threatening emergency in rabbits where gut motility stops, requiring urgent veterinary intervention and prevention through appropriate diet and exercise.

Key Facts

GI stasis is the leading cause of emergency illness and death in pet rabbits
The rabbit gut must move continuously - any slowdown becomes a rapidly escalating emergency
Hay should comprise 80-90% of the diet to provide the fiber that maintains gut motility
Low-fiber pellet-heavy diets are a primary cause of GI stasis
Pain from any source, dental disease, or stress can trigger gut slowdown
Gut motility drugs (metoclopramide, cisapride) and fluid therapy are core treatments
Rabbits should receive 7+ hours of free roaming exercise daily to support gut health
Silent pain in rabbits means stasis may not be recognized until critically ill

Welfare Considerations

GI stasis causes intense abdominal pain that rabbits conceal due to their prey-animal instincts. By the time owners notice signs - reduced feces, hunched posture, refusal to eat - the rabbit may be hours from death. The disease is frequently caused by inappropriate diet chosen by uninformed owners. Providing the correct hay-based diet prevents most cases, meaning a large proportion of rabbit GI stasis suffering is entirely preventable through better owner education.

What You Can Do

Feed unlimited grass hay as the primary component of your rabbit's diet
Ensure rabbits have at least 7 hours of free-roaming exercise daily
Learn to recognize early signs of GI stasis - reduced fecal output and appetite loss
Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if GI stasis is suspected
Share rabbit diet information with other rabbit owners