Companion Animal Welfare

Rabbit Welfare and GI Stasis Prevention

Gastrointestinal stasis is a life-threatening emergency in rabbits that is largely preventable through appropriate diet and husbandry. Understanding prevention saves rabbit lives.

Key Facts

GI stasis occurs when gut motility slows or stops, causing rapid gas build-up
Inappropriate diet including insufficient hay is the leading cause
Stress, pain, and dehydration are also significant contributing factors
Hay should constitute 80-90% of a rabbit's diet to maintain gut motility
Early recognition of reduced faeces and inappetence enables life-saving intervention

Welfare Considerations

GI stasis is acutely painful and rapidly fatal if untreated. The vast majority of cases are preventable through hay-based diets, good husbandry, and reduced stress - making prevention a highly tractable welfare intervention.

What You Can Do

Ensure unlimited fresh hay is always available for your rabbit
Minimise stressors in your rabbit's environment
Learn to recognise early signs of gut slowdown including reduced faecal output
Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if GI stasis is suspected