GI Statsis Notes
Gastrointestinal Stasis is a condition in which a rabbit’s gastrointestinal tract has slowed down or stopped. GI Stasis can be triggered by a number of different events including: Stress, blockage, gas, illness or even lack of fiber. This can lead to death within 12 hours of not eating (rabbits should be eating continuously). If GI Stasis is suspected, take your rabbit into to see a vet immediately to have the doctor determine the cause of the slow down. If there is not a blockage, the doctor will prescribe a home care treatment. If a blockage is present, surgery may need to be done immediately.
Home care may include some of the following:
-Drugs to aid intestinal mobility (such as cisapride or metoclopramide)
-Subcutaneous fluids to rehydrate
-Force feeding critical care until eating on their own
-Feeding wet leafy greens that are full of fiber
-Cholestyramine if mucus is present
How to detect
Always be aware of your rabbit’s eating habits. If your rabbit does not seem to be eating, try offering some of their favorite snacks. If your rabbit is uninterested, they may be starting to go into stasis. Check in your rabbit’s litter box. If the feces looks small, hard and few or nonexistent you have a problem. Take a moment to feel around your rabbit’s torso. A bloated, gasey bunn is not a healthy bunn. Lastly, if you can, take the temperature. A rabbit’s body runs between 101 and 104. A temperature lower than 101 can be an indication of GI Stasis and the bunn should see a vet immediately.
Best advice: Always monitor your rabbit’s eating and litter habits. These are the best indications of health problems in a bunn. A happy bunn is one that eats and poops a plenty!
