This may include:
- fluid therapy for rehydration.
- nutritional support (syringe feeding if not eating)
- antibiotic(s) (if there is an underlying bacterial infection)
- motility modifying drugs to enhance movement of food through the stomach and intestines.
- pain relievers.
- anti-inflammatory medications.
How do you treat GI Stasis in rabbits at home?
What to do if You Notice Early Signs of GI Problems
- INCREASE rabbit’s fiber intake: offer her a variety of fresh hays.
- DECREASE pellets for a day or two to encourage a hungry bunny to eat more hay (fiber).
- INCREASE produce.
- INCREASE water consumption to help hydrate impacted gut:
- INCREASE your rabbit’s exercise routine.
Can rabbits recover from gut stasis?
Treatment of GI stasis varies depending on severity and underlying causes. Recovery is often slow and may take several days to weeks. Fluid therapy — Many affected rabbits are dehydrated or suffering from electrolyte imbalances.
Can GI Stasis go away on its own?
So it’s important to know that once a rabbit’s afflicted with GI stasis, there’s no guarantee of recovery. The best course of action is to bring your rabbit to a rabbit-savvy vet at the very first sign. Do not wait and see if they will get better on their own!
What do vets do for GI Stasis in rabbits?
These rabbits may need to have a tube placed through their nostrils and down into their stomachs to deliver liquid food. The vet also will treat any identifiable underlying causes of GI stasis (such as sharp points on the teeth irritating the gums/tongue, chronic kidney failure, oral abscesses, etc.).
Do rabbits with GI Stasis eat?
A rabbit may eat relatively normal amounts of food, almost up to the time the GI tract shuts down. Because of this, the stomach may contain a large bolus of food when stasis occurs.
How much does it cost to treat GI stasis?
Apart from being a very serious condition, gut stasis can be expensive to treat. Just the medications alone can cost around $150–200. If hospitalisation is needed, you could easily spend several hundred dollars and if surgery is needed, this can be thousands.
How do you tell if a rabbit has a blockage?
Rabbits with an intestinal obstruction present severe abdominal pain and as a result will become anorexic, unwilling to move and grind their teeth in pain (bruxism). They will also press their abdomen on the ground, have a bloated and distended abdomen, and cease production of faecal pellets.
How do you stimulate a rabbit to poop?
Food quality is essential in the treatment of constipation in rabbits. The veterinarian recommends the intake of fresh hay and green vegetables, which help normalize bowel movements. With a balanced diet and constant physical activity, it is possible to avoid the risk of intestinal stasis or constipation in rabbits.
How long can rabbits go without pooping?
Keep a close eye on your rabbit. If she has not pooped in 24 hours, see a vet. This goes double if your rabbit is also not eating. These are symptoms of gastrointestinal stasis, which the University of Miami calls, “The Silent Killer.” Even an otherwise-healthy rabbit will not survive for long with this condition.
Are baby gas drops safe for rabbits?
Use liquid simethicone often referred to as “baby gas drops”. This medicine for human infants is available over-the-counter in the baby section of most major grocery stores and pharmacies, and is considered “safe” for home use with rabbits.
What do you do if your rabbit isn’t eating?
It’s extremely important to contact your vet straight away if you notice your rabbit is eating less than normal. There are many different problems that could have caused your rabbit to stop eating, but some of the most common include dental disease, stress, and gut problems.
Can cardboard cause GI stasis in rabbits?
Gut blockages, while causing gut stasis, are not always directly part of the gut stasis syndrome we regularly see. Blockages are often secondary to the rabbit eating some-thing inappropriate, for example, nuts, fake straw bedding, wallpaper or cardboard.
When is it time to put down a rabbit?
Consider euthanasia if your rabbit: Is suffering untreatable pain from a large tumour. Is no longer able to eat or drink normally. Has such severe disease in the lungs that it is unable to breathe properly.
Why is my bunny lying down and not eating?
Why Do Rabbits Stop Eating? The most common reason for a loss of appetite in rabbits is a gastrointestinal problem called ileus. Ileus occurs when normal peristalsis—the contractions in the intestines that push food through the gastrointestinal tract—decreases or stops.
Why is my rabbit shaking and not eating?
The common causes of shaking are fear, nervousness, and stress. A less obvious cause of trembling is heat, as rabbits do not tolerate high temperatures well. If your rabbit is lying on its side and shaking, it could be due to a digestive issue (GI stasis). Also, it may have ingested something toxic.
How much water should I force feed my rabbit?
You should only feed small amounts, 2-4 ml at a time and then allow your rabbit to rest (remove the syringe). Your rabbit should show signs of chewing and swallowing. This process can then be repeated until you have fed 5-10 ml.
What foods cause gas in rabbits?
The culprit that causes gas problems in our bunnies is believed to exist in the diet we feed them, specifically large amounts of: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale. Some bunnies are susceptible to gas more than others no matter their size or breed.
Can a rabbit survive a blockage?
If the rabbit’s condition does not improve quickly, emergency surgery may be required to remove the blockage. Surgery is serious and has many potential complications, but if the rabbit is unable to pass the impaction, without surgery they are highly likely to die or require euthanasia to prevent further suffering.
How long does it take food to pass through a rabbit?
Rabbits have a rather fast GI transit time, meaning from the time food is ingested it can be processed through the entire GI tract in about 19 hours. Rabbits will ingest plant material, chewing the food up to 120 times per minute, then they swallow the food where it passes through the esophagus into the stomach.
Can I give my rabbit olive oil for constipation?
Very small doses of olive oil given orally may help with mild constipation. Remove the rabbit’s dry food, feed more hay and fresh vegetables and ensure it has plenty of fresh water. Encourage the rabbit to exercise.