Companion Animals

Rabbit GI Stasis: Dietary Welfare and Emergency Recognition

Overview of rabbit gastrointestinal stasis, dietary causes, and welfare management.

Key Facts

GI stasis is a common and potentially fatal condition in domestic rabbits
Inadequate hay intake is the primary dietary cause of GI stasis
Early recognition of reduced faecal output is a critical welfare monitoring skill
Pain and discomfort from GI stasis require prompt veterinary attention
Stress and low exercise can precipitate GI stasis episodes

Welfare Considerations

Rabbit gastrointestinal stasis is a significant welfare emergency that responsible owners must be equipped to recognise and address promptly. The primary prevention is an appropriate diet with unlimited high-quality hay as the foundation. Owner education about normal and abnormal faecal output is a critical welfare competency. Prompt veterinary attention when stasis is suspected can be life-saving. Dental disease, which affects hay intake, is an upstream risk factor.

What You Can Do

Ensure companion rabbits have unlimited access to high-quality timothy hay
Learn to recognise signs of GI stasis including reduced faecal output and hunched posture
Seek immediate veterinary attention if GI stasis is suspected