Companion Animals

Companion Rabbit GI Stasis Prevention

Gastrointestinal stasis is a potentially fatal emergency in rabbits that is largely preventable through correct husbandry and feeding.

Key Facts

Rabbits have a unique digestive system requiring constant gut movement
Stasis occurs when gut motility slows or stops, causing gas accumulation and pain
High-fibre hay diets maintain gut motility and prevent most cases of stasis
Stress, dehydration, and pain from other conditions can trigger secondary stasis
Emergency treatment includes fluid therapy, pain relief, gut stimulants, and sometimes surgery

Welfare Considerations

GI stasis causes severe abdominal pain and distress. Rabbits in stasis hunch, grind their teeth, and stop eating - signs of significant suffering. Many cases are preventable through the simple measure of providing unlimited hay. Owner education about the hay-based diet requirement is one of the highest-impact rabbit welfare interventions, as pellet-heavy diets remain common despite being a primary GI stasis risk.

What You Can Do

Feed your rabbit unlimited timothy or meadow hay as the basis of its diet
Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if your rabbit stops eating
Educate other rabbit owners about GI stasis risk from low-fibre diets