- 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.
What can I give my Rabbit to prevent GI stasis?
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 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 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.
What can I give my Rabbit for constipation?
The fiber and moisture in fresh vegetables also will help stimulate the intestine. 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 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?
Even when you get them to eat and they produce droppings again, you should still keep a very close eye on them. Full recovery from a bout of GI Stasis can take days, sometimes weeks.
Can bunnies survive GI stasis?
With these treatments, time, and patience, a rabbit suffering from GI stasis can make a full recovery. But it is important to recognize the symptoms early and take your rabbit to a rabbit-savvy vet immediately for these treatments.
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.
How Long Can GI Stasis last?
It may take as long as two weeks on metaclopramide and/or cisapride before the intestine is fully motile again, and patience and careful nursing for the duration are essential.
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 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.
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.
How long can a rabbit go without food and water?
A rabbit cannot go longer than 24 hours without drinking. If the weather is particularly hot, this period is even shorter. It cannot be stressed enough how important water is for your pet.
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.
Why is my rabbit lethargic and not 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.
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).
How to tell if a rabbit has GI stasis?
Your veterinarian will start by asking you a series of questions about your rabbit's signs and behavior, and then a complete physical examination will be performed on your rabbit, as well as tests such as X-rays and bloodwork to evaluate your rabbit's condition. 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). An examination of your rabbit’s mouth may show sharp points on the teeth, causing discomfort upon chewing, or evidence of a dental abscess (infection).
How will my veterinarian treat GI stasis?
Once your veterinarian confirms that your rabbit has GI stasis and determines the underlying cause for why your rabbit has stopped eating, supportive care treatment , either in or out of the hospital, depending on the rabbit’s condition will be prescribed. This may include:
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.
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 the slowing of food passage through the GI tract?
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.
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.
What should I do when my rabbit has GI stasis?
You need to get in touch with a vet. There may be a blockage that requires IV fluids to soften. Vets may also prescribe antibiotics which can reduce the amount of harmful bacteria that’s causing the stasis.
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.
When are rabbit likely to suffer from GI stasis?
Since we can’t tell what stresses a rabbit out, it would happen at any time, but I play close attention for signs of GI stasis in my rabbit when:
How dangerous is GI stasis?
It’s pretty dangerous. Not necessarily the stasis in itself, but because rabbits are prey animals. they hide the fact that they’re not feeling very well. Unless you’re observing your bunny closely, you may not realise there’s something amiss until it’s too late.
How common is GI stasis?
I can’t find any figures on how common GI stasis is, but there are a lot of cases mentioned in the house rabbit society Facebook page, so let’s just say it’s common enough that you should be prepared in the event that it happens.
What to do if your rabbit is under anaesthetic?
If your rabbit is due to be put under anaesthetic, make sure that your vet sends them home with critical care and pain medication, in the case of GI stasis.
What is the term for the gas that builds up in rabbits?
GI stasis is when gas builds up in a rabbit’s digestive system and causes it to slow down or stop completely.
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 to feed a rabbit probiotics?
Prepare lukewarm water/ probiotic powder mixture and force feed rabbit with a plastic syringe. Use about ¼ tsp powder to a couple of ounces of water. Get as much of this mixture as possible into the rabbit.
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.
How long does it take for a rabbit to stop pooping?
Depending on how quickly you catch it, it can be as little as a few days with the proper treatment. The important thing is that once you notice that your rabbit isn’t pooping, you’ll need to get into action.
How to keep rabbits GI in tip top shape?
Keeping our rabbits GI system in tip-top shape is dependent on us feeding proper food, in the right amounts. In addition to the pellets you add to her feeder, you can give her fresh fruits and veggies.
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.
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 prevent stasis in rabbits?
You can help prevent stasis by grooming your rabbit during a shed. When your rabbit has been traveling or is stressed, avoid giving pellets for the first two hours. Pellets expand in the stomach. Instead, give a serving of greens and let them rest before feeding. Be sure they always have plenty of fresh hay and water.
How to help a sick rabbit?
For a very sick rabbit, you may need to touch the tongue with the syringe to prompt sucking. Your supporting hand will prevent them from turning away. After the first syringe of water, give some of the slurry the same way. Some rabbits will gobble it down, while others will make you work for it. But it is important, so be forceful.
How to get a rabbit to stop pooping?
1) Exercise – Remember that the digestive system is in distress and is causing acute discomfort, therefore the natural response is to curl up in pain. This closes the body even more and prevents the gas and stool from passing through. To help release the pressure and get things moving through the system, again the first thing you need to do is get your rabbit moving. This will not be easy in a very sick rabbit but be forceful – they NEED to stretch out their body and hop. By lengthening, they will allow things to begin moving.
How to get rabbits to drink water?
Start with a small syringe of water. Rabbits have large front teeth, then a gap, and then a full set of back teeth. I support the back of the rabbit’s head with one hand surrounding the head in a C position holding it up. Insert the tip of the syringe into the gap pointing at the other cheek, not down the throat. Slowly drizzle the water into their mouth. They should immediately begin drinking.
How to get a bunny to stop bloating?
2) Tummy Massage – Lay your rabbit upside down on your knees and gently massage their belly from the chest to the tail. Push their rear legs out straight as your hand moves down. Again your goal is to get the trapped gas moving through the body, thereby restarting the digestive process. I will stress gentle pressure and no massages at all if your rabbit is bloated. Check out this video for additional information on tummy massages.
What causes GI stasis?
GI stasis is caused by a myriad of things or even nothing at all. Fur ingested during a shed; stress over travel, temperature, or a fright; eating too quickly; a simple gas bubble; or just life can cause stasis. It is impossible to predict or prevent, but if caught quickly is usually treatable.
What to use to clean bibs?
Paper towels for bibs and clean up.
What to feed a rabbit to help them digest?
Feed Oxbow digestive support or Protexin Pro-fibre pellets on regular basis to help improve your rabbits digestion.
What to feed a sick bunny?
Freshly picked Dandelions, grass, bramble leaves and milk thistle really appeal to sick bunnies and helps to get them eating again. They really help with their digestive system too. Fresh herbs like parsley, basil or rosemary, also encourage a rabbit to start eating again.
How long does it take for rabbits to snap out of GI staph?
If you catch GI Stasis quick enough, rabbits can snap out of it within a few hours. As soon as you notice the early stages of GI Stasis…. Syringe feed them immediately with 1ml of Infacol (or if outside the UK – other Infant drops that contain Simethicone). Massage their stomach, to help get their gut moving again.
What to do if your rabbit is not showing signs?
Call your vet the minute you feel your rabbit needs help and you are unsure what to do. Call your vet if you feel your rabbit is no longer showing the first signs, but signs they have been suffering a while. Call the vet the minute they show they are in severe pain.
How long does it take for a rabbit to get GI stasis?
GI stasis in rabbits is also known as the silent killer. The first 12 hours are crucial. You need to act quickly to save your rabbit. This blog is here to help you, help your bunny.
How to get a rabbit to stop moving?
Lift their back end up off the floor gently and slowly, so their back legs stretch out full length. Hold for about 10 – 15 seconds. Lean forwards while you do this, to help stop them moving forwards. Repeat this 4 to 5 times, but stop if your rabbit gets stressed from you doing this.
What to do if your bunny is not staying at home?
You need to act quickly. If you cannot stay at home to keep an eye on them and nurse them, then contact your vet. Know your bunny and have some emergency supplies ready at the slightest change in behaviour. Talk to your vet about what medications you can keep at home and what amounts you can give your rabbit.
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 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 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. Left untreated, the slowdown or complete cessation of normal intestinal movement (peristalsis) can result in a painful death, in a relatively short period of time. If your rabbit stops eating or producing feces for 12 hours or more, you should consider the condition an EMERGENCY. GET YOUR BUNNY TO A RABBIT-SAVVY VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATELY.
How Can GI Stasis be detected?
Symptoms of GI stasis include very small (or no) fecal pellets, sometimes clinging to the bunny’s bottom. In some cases, very small fecal pellets will be encased in clear or yellowish mucus. This potentially serious problem (enteritis, an inflammation of the intestinal lining) should be treated as an emergency.
Why does my rabbit have a hairball?
Sometimes, a rabbit suffering from GI stasis is diagnosed as having a “hairball.” In reality, an apparent hairball usually is a result of GI stasis–not the cause. A vet who has not palpated many rabbit abdomens may be unfamiliar with the normal, sometimes “doughy” feel of the healthy rabbit stomach. A “doughy” stomach is usually cause for concern only when accompanied by an empty lower GI and symptoms of abdominal discomfort.
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 massage a bunny's tummy?
This seems to be as effective as manual massage, and it’s worthwhile to invest in some type of massager with a large, flat surface that can be held against the bunny’s tummy for relatively long periods. Press the massager firmly against the abdomen, start on low and work your way higher. The bunny may be a bit taken aback at first, but almost every bunny on whom we’ve tried massage has settled down and enjoyed the soothing vibrations. In addition to stimulating the muscles, the massage seems to help break up gas bubbles and ease colic. Massage as long and as often as the bunny will allow and enjoy.
