- Feed your rabbit a high-fiber diet. As you can see, treating GI stasis in rabbits is intensive and extensive.
- Increase your rabbit’s water intake. In addition to fiber, water is essential to keeping food moving smoothly your rabbit’s GI tract.
- Decrease your rabbit’s stress. Stress can cause GI stasis, so you should try to identify and remove the stressors in your rabbit’s environment.
- Take your rabbit to your veterinarian regularly. Regular veterinary check-ups would help your veterinarian detect and treat underlying diseases that could eventually lead to GI stasis.
How to treat GI stasis in rabbits?
1 Feed your rabbit a high-fiber diet. As you can see, treating GI stasis in rabbits is intensive and extensive. 2 Increase your rabbit’s water intake. In addition to fiber, water is essential to keeping food moving smoothly your rabbit’s GI tract. 3 Decrease your rabbit’s stress. ... 4 Take your rabbit to your veterinarian regularly. ...
How much food does a rabbit eat when it has stasis?
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.
What can I give my Rabbit for abdominal pain?
A rabbit suffering from GI stasis will sometimes just seem to give up and die, possibly because of the sometimes extreme abdominal pain. Although officially approved only for use in horses, flunixin meglumine (Banamine) is an excellent NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) for use in rabbits.
What can I Feed my anorexic rabbit?
In addition to this emergency food, your veterinarian will give your rabbit free-choice hay and leafy greens. Since alfalfa hay can cause bloating, your veterinarian will instead feed your rabbit some type of grass hay (e.g., timothy, oat, brome). Fresh herbs can stimulate an anorexic rabbit to eat. Examples of herbs are mint, basil, and fennel.
How do you treat a rabbit with GI stasis at home?
Massaging or vibrating your rabbit's tummy is one of the best ways to help break up gas bubbles and encourage the gut to 'get moving'. Sit bunny on your lap or on a towel on the counter and with your hands gently knead your rabbit's abdomen, as deeply as she will allow. If she reacts in a painful manner, stop.
How long does it take for rabbits to recover from 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!
Can rabbits recover from GI stasis on their own?
However, if you can get your rabbit to a veterinarian quickly, then they can give your rabbit medication to break down any blockages and mobilize the digestive tract. If detected early enough, rabbits can recover from GI Stasis.
How long can a rabbit survive with GI 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. Simethicone — This medication helps to reduce the amount of gas in the digestive tract.
How much pineapple juice should I give my rabbit?
Regular house-pet rabbits only need around 2 grams of sugar in their diet per day. Since there are around 10 grams of sugar in every 100 grams of pineapple, your rabbits should have only have around 20 grams of pineapple, maximum, in a day.
How do you force feed a rabbit?
4:5012:46How To Force Feed Sick Rabbits - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt so as you can see I like to position them so my right hand is able to force-feed them. And as youMoreIt so as you can see I like to position them so my right hand is able to force-feed them. And as you can see with Lulu she's basically just eating it right out of the syringe.
Can too many pellets cause GI stasis?
The Causes for GI Stasis Rabbits eating large amounts of pellets or high-fat seeds and nuts have slow GI tract motility and often develop GI stasis as a result.
Can I give my rabbit olive oil for constipation?
Encourage the rabbit to exercise, and give very small doses of olive oil orally which can help with mild constipation. The best way to avoid this often deadly condition is to ensure your bunny has a diet rich in fibre, access to plenty of clean, fresh water and a varied assortment of vegetables.
How do you get rid of GI stasis?
Treatment of GI StasisMotility drugs (like cisapride) which help stimulate movement in the digestive system.IV fluids which help soften the mass in the intestines.Pain medication to alleviate discomfort due to gas buildup.Syringe feeding of Critical Care to ensure the rabbit continues to get essential nutrients.More items...
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.
How do you relieve gas in rabbits?
0:133:15How to Help a Rabbit with Gas Pain | Pet Rabbits - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you just draw up a little syringe worth and you put it in the rabbits mouth. It. Doesn't leaveMoreAnd you just draw up a little syringe worth and you put it in the rabbits mouth. It. Doesn't leave the rabbits intestinal tract it doesn't leave the lumen of the intestinal tract.
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 stimulate a rabbit to poop?
If she's not pooping at all, then you have a constipated rabbit. Remove dry food from her hutch and encourage more exercise. A teaspoon of olive oil could get her bowels moving. If that doesn't work, your vet can give your rabbit a laxative or enema.
Why does my rabbit keep getting GI stasis?
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.
How do you relieve gas in rabbits?
0:133:15How to Help a Rabbit with Gas Pain | Pet Rabbits - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you just draw up a little syringe worth and you put it in the rabbits mouth. It. Doesn't leaveMoreAnd you just draw up a little syringe worth and you put it in the rabbits mouth. It. Doesn't leave the rabbits intestinal tract it doesn't leave the lumen of the intestinal tract.
How to prevent GI 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).
What does GI stasis mean in rabbits?
Rabbits with GI stasis often look bloated, pass little to no stool, and have big, gas-filled stomachs and intestines on X-rays. Blood tests often reveal evidence of dehydration and abnormal electrolyte values. There may also be changes associated with other underlying diseases (such as kidney or liver disease).
How to stop rabbits from chewing on rugs?
Prevent your rabbit from chewing on rugs, towels, or other material that may cause a true, life-threatening physical obstruction in your rabbit's GI tract. "You can allow your rabbit lots of supervised out-of-cage time to encourage physical exercise to promote normal gut motility.".
What is 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. GI stasis is not typically caused by an actual physical obstruction (such as a hairball or ingested foreign object, such as a towel or rug), ...
Why do rabbits get upset?
Some rabbits get GI upset when they are eating too much carbohydrate (e.g., pellets) and not enough fiber (e.g., hay). Regardless of why they stop eating initially, rabbits that do not eat undergo a pH change in their GI tracts that favors the growth of gas-producing bacteria.
Why do rabbits stop eating?
They will also often stop eating when they are stressed, overheated, painful from injuries or arthritis, or uncomfortable from other gastrointestinal problems such as bacterial, viral, or parasitic intestinal infections. Some rabbits get GI upset when they are eating too much carbohydrate (e.g., pellets) and not enough fiber (e.g., hay). ...
Why do rabbits have hairballs?
For many years, it was thought that rabbits commonly developed hairballs (also called trichobezoars) because they are fastidious groomers. It was thought that hairballs were the main cause of a rabbit not wanting to eat and not passing stool.
What to feed a rabbit to get rid of a swollen intestine?
Stick to pellets soaked in water if you’re unsure, though pumpkin baby food is a great option if you can get it. Herbs such as mint and coriander can be great for tempting rabbits to eat. Dandelions are thought to be good at getting the digestive system going again.
How to tell if a rabbit has GI stasis?
A quick tummy rub in these instances can prevent GI stasis before it turns into something more serious. Other signs to look out for are: Small, dark poops, or fewer/no poops. No interest in food/water. Sitting quieting. Rabbits that feel uncomfortable often hunch over and won’t lie down.
Why do rabbits look sad when they moult?
They’re trying a new food. They’re moulting – rabbits can’t cough up hairballs as cats can, and the excess hair can cause stasis. It’s the reason one of my rabbits always looked a bit sad when moulting.
Why is my rabbit not eating?
A diet that high in starch and low in fibre can cause bad bacteria to multiply in the gut. GI stasis can cause blockages in the digestive system, and the rabbit’s lack of interest in eating/drinking exacerbates the issue and doesn’t allow the food to pass through the digestive system.
Why do rabbits get stressed?
Stress can come from anything like a trip to the vets, loss of a mate, a frightening event, such as the introduction of another animal to the household, or a change in environment like moving house. Some rabbits will take change in their stride – like humans, some are more averse to change than others.
What to do if your rabbit won't eat?
Coriander/cilantro is always popular. If your rabbit won’t eat, syringe critical care (you can get it on Amazon – I recommend keeping some in at all times, just in case).
Why is hay important for rabbits?
This is one of the reasons why it’s so crucial that hay makes up 85% of your rabbit’s diet – it allows the digestive system to function effectively.
Why do rabbits get GI stasis?
How do rabbits get GI stasis? There a few reasons that a rabbit might stop eliminating, but most of them are linked to an imbalance in the rabbit’s intestinal flora. An imbalance can happen from antibiotics, dehydration, a diet too low in fiber, or stress.
How long does it take for a rabbit to eat?
When you notice that your rabbit’s not pooping or eating,, begin keeping a close eye on her. If she doesn’t eliminate or eat within 6-12 hours , there is likely a problem. Remove feed pellets from the hutch. Leave timothy grass available in hay feeder.
Can you use rabbit gel daily?
Some rabbit owners have complained that when using these gels as a daily supplement, that their rabbit’s pellets worsen in condition. So while the gel is safe for daily use, and can work in a pinch to help your rabbit through a tough GI issue, I do not recommend using this daily.
Does probiotic gel help Alice's GI system?
I have also used probiotic gel to help aid Alice’s GI system in moving “stuck” contents through, and this has worked fine. The idea is that this gel adds probiotics to your rabbit’s gut to rebalance intestinal flora.
Does pineapple help with GI stasis?
I made a “mush” from canned pineapple and syringe fed it to her. It worked well, which was a huge relief. Pineapple is often suggested for GI stasis/ wool blockages because it was believed at one point that the bromelain in pineapple would break up the wool blockage.
How to help a rabbit with GI staph?
To help your rabbit recover from GI Stasis, you need to be able to detect it as early as possible. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms so that you know when to seek out emergency veterinary care. Some symptoms can also appear a number of days ahead of time, so if you notice less urgent signs, you can monitor your rabbit and schedule an appointment with their regular vet.
How to prevent GI staph in rabbits?
The best way to prevent GI Stasis is to make sure your rabbits have a hay-based diet with plenty of time for exercise. Since GI Stasis is one of the most common illnesses that our pet rabbits suffer from, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms so we can get them the help they need in time.
What is GI stasis in rabbits?
GI Stasis (also called Ileus), is a dangerous gut condition in rabbi ts. This illness is characterized by a slow down of the rabbit’s digestive tract. As the gut comes to a halt, the rabbit will stop eating and producing fecal pellets.
How long does it take for a rabbit to die from GI staph?
GI Stasis is a sudden illness that can be fatal for rabbits within a 24 hour period of time. If you notice common symptoms, such as not pooping or eating, bring your rabbit to an emergency veterinary clinic as soon as possible. The best way to prevent GI Stasis is to make sure your rabbits have a hay-based diet with plenty of time for exercise.
What is the scariest part of being a rabbit caretaker?
Written by Amy Pratt in Health. One of the scariest parts of being a rabbit caretaker is when our pet rabbits get sick. Rabbits have a knack for hiding their illnesses, which means they often goes unnoticed until the rabbit is very sick. This is especially true for the unfortunately common illness known as GI Stasis (Gastrointestinal Stasis).
Why are rabbits prone to GI issues?
Genetics. Some rabbits simply have bad genetics when it comes to digestive health, making them more prone to getting GI Stasis. Lop rabbits and albino rabbits tend to be more likely to have digestive issues. This is possibly due to more in-breeding when these breeds and colors of rabbits were first produced.
Why is my rabbit ill?
Lack of energy. Another common symptom that is harder to detect is a lack of energy. If your rabbit is simply sitting in one place or occasionally moving to a different place to sit for a while, then they might be ill. This is especially something to be concerned about if your rabbit is usually very active.
A guide to rabbit GI stasis for the average owner
You come to hang out with your rabbit, and you find it hunched in the corner, not wanting to move around, and refusing to eat. You know your rabbit is sick, so you do a quick Google of its symptoms and think it might have GI stasis. But what is GI stasis in rabbits and what should you do?
Basics of GI Stasis in Rabbits
First things first, if your rabbit isn’t eating then you need to call the vet and get your bunny seen as soon as possible. GI stasis can very quickly become life-threatening.
Symptoms of GI Stasis in Rabbits
The most telling symptom that your rabbit has GI stasis is that it won’t want to eat anything. It also will likely not want to move around much. Your bunny may also stop pooping or have extremely runny poop.
What Causes GI Stasis
It can sometimes be difficult to figure out what caused your rabbit’s GI stasis.
Treatment for Rabbit GI Stasis
As I mentioned before, the first thing you want to do if your rabbit isn’t eating is call the vet and get them in as soon as possible. There are treatments your vet will do that you can’t do at home. They will likely get your pet on IV fluids and may do x-rays or other tests to try and determine the cause of the stasis.
Final Thoughts on GI Stasis
GI stasis in rabbits can be very scary, but it can help to know the symptoms and what to expect for treatment. If you suspect your rabbit has GI stasis, call the vet to get them an appointment and then do what you can to keep them comfortable!
How to treat GI stasis in rabbits?
The best cure for GI stasis is prevention. Be sure your rabbit companion gets plenty of dietary fiber from fresh grass hay. Feed high fiber (22% or higher crude fiber) pellets. Be sure your rabbit is drinking sufficient water to keep ingested food hydrated and moving smoothly. It helps to offer at least 4 cups of fresh, wet leafy greens per 5 lbs. of rabbit daily. And don’t forget that regular exercise not only keeps the skeletal muscles strong: it also keeps the smooth muscles of the intestines well-toned and active.
How to help a bunny with a lazy gut?
One of the single most effective ways to stimulate a lazy gut into action is with gentle massage. Place the bunny on a secure countertop on a towel (or in your lap, if the bunny feels secure there), making sure he can’t jump down and hurt himself. With your hands and fingertips, gently massage the abdomen. Knead as deeply as the bunny will allow, but back off immediately if he expresses pain. We have found that gently lifting the rabbit’s hindquarters a few inches (with the bunny’s head safely tucked into the massager’s elbow, and the spine firmly supported) helps gas to pass more easily, and seems to be comforting to the bunny. Once s/he gets over the initial surprise of being held this way, a rabbit will often allow his/her legs to droop in comfort and relief as the massage helps gas pockets move towards the exit.
What is the best medicine for rabbits?
An intestinal motility agent, such as cisapride (Propulsid) or metoclopramide (Reglan) will help get a static intestine moving again. Both of the aforementioned drugs are safe and effective for rabbits. Cisapride, a more recently developed drug, has fewer potential nervous system side effects with long term use than Reglan. We have used it long term (for several weeks at a time) without apparent adverse side effects. However, as with any drug, your veterinarian should be aware of any potential drug interactions between cisapride/metaclopramide and any other medications your rabbit may be taking. For example, narcotic painkillers should never be given with Reglan due to the potential for dangerous interaction between the two.
How to save a rabbit from hypothermia?
Pack the rabbit with warm water bottles wrapped in towels and get him to your rabbit-savvy veterinarian immediately. Medications often will not be effective when given to a rabbit suffering from hypothermia, so the first step in saving your bunny’s life is to get his body temperature back into normal range.
What is the runny stool of a rabbit?
The runny stool sometimes misidentified as “diarrhea” in rabbits is more often composed of unformed, almost-liquid cecotropes. Rabbits produce two types of pellets: fecal pellets (left in the litterbox) and cecotropes (soft, pungent, normally shaped like a cluster of grapes and reingested by the rabbit to obtain essential nutrients).
What to feed a rabbit that won't eat?
Kale is a good choice. If the rabbit refuses to eat, try fragrant, fresh herbs such as mint, basil, dill, cilantro, tarragon, sage, fennel, parsley and others.
How long does it take for a rabbit to die from a fecal syringe?
If your rabbit stops eating or producing feces for 12 hours or more , you should consider the condition an EMERGENCY.