Gastrointestinal stasis is a life-threatening emergency in rabbits that kills within hours if untreated, yet many owners do not recognise the early signs or understand the welfare urgency.
GI stasis kills rabbits that otherwise could be saved with prompt treatment. The suffering caused by accumulating gas and toxins in a rabbit that cannot eat, move normally, or pass faeces is severe. The welfare challenge is that owners often do not recognise the emergency nature of the situation until the rabbit is in critical condition. Rabbit welfare advocacy requires consistent emphasis on hay as the dietary foundation, daily health observation, and owner education that any rabbit not eating or producing droppings requires same-day veterinary attention - not a 'wait and see' approach.