Veterinarians now know that rabbits that are not eating have developed gastrointestinal (GI) stasis. GI stasis is the slowing of passage of food through the GI tract. This is due to a change in the population of bacteria normally living in the GI tract that ferment (digest) rabbits’ food.
What foods cause GI stasis in rabbits?
One of the most common causes of GI stasis in rabbits is a diet too high in carbohydrates and fat and too low in digestible fiber. Greens and grass hay contain digestible fiber, while commercially available rabbit pellets typically contain high amounts of carbohydrate, and seeds and nuts contain high levels of fat.
Can rabbits survive gut stasis?
Rabbits with GI stasis can quickly become lethargic and may exhibit signs of pain such as teeth grinding and a hunched posture. They may also begin to produce excessive gas and sometimes soft stool or diarrhea. If this is left untreated, severe cases of GI stasis can be fatal.
Why does GI Stasis happen in rabbits?
What Causes GI Stasis? A rabbit’s intestine can become static for a variety of reasons, including (1) stress, (2) dehydration, (3) pain from another underlying disorder or illness (such as gas, dental problems, infections, or urinary tract disorders) (4) an intestinal blockage or, (5) insufficient dietary crude fiber.
What causes gut stasis?
Causes of GI Stasis in Rabbits
A high starch, low fiber diet. Stress (from losing a bonded mate, a change in environment, etc.) Pain from underlying issues (dental problems like molar spurs, urinary tract infections, gas) Lack of exercise.
How do you prevent gut stasis in rabbits?
The best way to prevent GI stasis from developing in your rabbit is to feed it a high-fiber, hay-based diet with supplemental vegetables, a small amount of pellets, and small amounts of fruit (as fruit is high in carbohydrates).
How do you save rabbits from GI stasis?
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.
How long does it take for a rabbit to get over GI stasis?
If treated appropriately then most rabbits recover and start to respond to treatment within 3-5 days. The earlier you seek medical treatment, the better the outcome!
Is GI Stasis painful?
Pain can cause gut stasis and gut stasis itself is a painful condition, so pain relief is very important. Relieving pain reduces stress and helps appetite. Commonly used medications are: buprenorphine (an opioid medication)
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.
Do rabbits with GI Stasis groom themselves?
Research has found that hairballs (or trichobezoar as it is officially known) are the result of GI stasis and not the cause. Rabbits will always ingest a large amount of fur, because they are always grooming themselves.
How common is GI Stasis in rabbits?
Gastrointestinal (GI) stasis is by far one of the most common disorders seen in pet rabbits. Very often, it is the consequence on an inappropriate diet. However, any illness, painful condition, or stressful event can trigger an episode of GI stasis.
How long can rabbits go without eating?
Rabbits are grazers who need to eat continuously. If they go even 12 hours without food, then they have a high chance of developing a potentially deadly condition called GI Statis. At most, a rabbit will typically live for around 3-4 days without eating.
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.
How do I know if my rabbit has gas?
The common symptoms of gas in rabbits include:
- Loud, gurgling stomach.
- Pushing the stomach against the floor.
- Lethargy.
- The stomach is hard to the touch.
- Inability to defecate.
- Reduced appetite.
- Hunched posture.
- Grinding teeth.
Is Pineapple Juice Good for rabbits?
Yes, rabbits can eat pineapple juice. It’s one of the better juices you can give your pet rabbit to help keep their digestive system healthy and strong. Just like the fresh fruit, make sure to give your pet rabbit a small amount of juice at a time so they don’t end up with an upset stomach or diarrhea.
How do you massage a rabbit’s stomach?
Just gently put your hand underneath her and you’re going to lift her weight like this and you could support her butt. And if you just do this you’re massaging her belly. I’m just gently using my right hand to massage her belly while supporting her hind quarters. Amy: You’re kind of just moving your fingers like this.
How often give rabbits gas drops?
Give 1/3 of a dropper (0.3ml) for smaller bunnies, or ½ dropper (0.5ml) for larger bunnies every 4-6 hours until your bunny appears to lay down in her normal manner, or she beings to eat again. A Gas relief product is a good thing to have on hand in your rabbit care emergency kit.
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 does it take for simethicone to work in rabbits?
Liquid simethicone is like Tums for people, and we have never experienced a rabbit having an adverse reaction to it. We administer a dose and wait for 30-45 minutes, while also trying other methods (below). If the first dose doesn’t work, we don’t hesitate to administer another.
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.