Gastrointestinal stasis is a potentially fatal condition in rabbits where gut motility stops. It is one of the most common emergency presentations in companion rabbits and is largely preventable.
GI stasis causes severe abdominal pain - rabbits in stasis often grind their teeth (bruxism) and adopt a hunched posture. Many rabbit owners are unaware of the condition until it is advanced because rabbits hide pain. The welfare tragedy is that the vast majority of GI stasis cases are preventable through appropriate diet - unlimited Timothy hay, minimal pellets, and fresh leafy greens. Pet shop advice still frequently promotes inadequate muesli diets and small cages that prevent the exercise essential for gut motility. Owner education is the most impactful welfare intervention.