Baxter was having a bit of digestive trouble this morning and last night, so he stopped by for a bit of intensive recovery care. He's the rabbit that was dumped in a local park and is currently fostered with a friend of The Pipsqueakery. Gut stasis (ileus) is a somewhat common and potentially lethal problem for rabbits. It was once thought to be caused by swallowing excessive fur, but recent research suggests that is a myth. It is caused by a decrease in the stomach emptying its contents into the next stage of the digestive tract which is the small intestine. The trigger can be one or more of a number of common problems. Pain, stress, dehydration, pain from gas bloatiness, constipation from too little fiber, and constipation from too little exercise. Once the stomach isn't emptying, the rabbit usually loses interest in most foods. Meanwhile, the empty intestine is getting dehydrated and slowing digestive muscle action. These things will lead to general dehydration, more pain, and plummeting blood sugar which just makes the rabbit even less likely to eat and drink. Soon the plummeting blood sugar and dehydration is causing problems with blood pressure and core body temp which is when the disease process becomes lethal. The earlier it is caught, the less you have to do to correct it. It starts with offering favorite foods that are wet and don't produce gas such as herbs or fresh grass. Being made to hop around can help because walking promotes but motility. Rehydration via IV or subcutaneous injection is often vital. A rabbit could need digestive motility drugs, force feeding, a heating pad and more. A vet's expertise is necessary if you can't quickly reverse early signs by offering treats and exercising the poops out. It's useful to keep an eye on the size of your rabbits cocoa puff pooties because smaller size is a sign of dehydration. I also like to give every bunny at least one special treat per day because refusing a favorite food is a big signal. #rabbit #bunny #stasis #gutmotility #ileus #rabbithealth https://www.instagram.com/p/CCJwmzij_5x/?igshid=yzr7v67b8jje
