GI Stasis
Disclaimer: If your bunny is in distress or if you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to promptly contact your local licensed Exotic Rabbit Veterinarian. I am not a licensed Exotic Rabbit Veterinarian and this should not be a substitute for official medical advice by a board licensed Exotic Rabbit Veterinarian.
Gastrointestinal (GI) stasis in rabbits is a serious condition where the digestive system slows down or stops, leading to severe health issues. Early detection is crucial, and common signs include:
Reduced or no appetite: Rabbits may show less interest in food or stop eating altogether.
Decreased or absent fecal production: You might notice fewer, smaller, or no fecal pellets.
Lethargy: Affected rabbits often become less active and may sit in a hunched position.
Abdominal discomfort: Signs include teeth grinding, a tense abdomen, or a bloated appearance.
Changes in grooming habits: A rabbit may groom less, leading to a dull or unkempt coat.
If you observe any of these symptoms, it's essential to consult a veterinarian promptly, as GI stasis can progress rapidly and may become life-threatening without immediate treatment.
911 Cases: Seek Medical Care Immediately
Seek veterinary assistance, even if it's not an exotic rabbit DVM, if you observe the following:
Breathing Issues:
Difficulty breathing or gasping for breath.
Keeping the head up, either independently or using an object.
911 Vet can place your bunny in an oxygen chamber.
Video of our foster gasping for breath. She was a Bunny 911 and placed in an oxygen chamber. She did recover and was treated for a heart condition.
2. Pain or Bloat:
Fetal position (paws close to the body), grinding teeth, or constantly changing resting positions.
A hard stomach may indicate bloat or gas buildup
3. "Rag Doll" State:
The rabbit feels limp and unresponsive when picked up
4: Low or High Temperature:
Normal range: 101°F to 103°F.
911 Vet 99°F and below or 104°F and above.
911 Vet can place your bunny in a heat chamber to provide heat support
911 Vet can give room temperature sub q fluids to cool your bunny down.
Physical Observation of Possible GI Stasis
Behavior:
Note signs of lethargy, hiding, or unresponsiveness.
Lack of appetite for hay.
Your bunny did not touch their greens or pellets.
Unusually small or no fecal pellets (reduced quantity) is typical of stasis
One of the key items is that you bunny did not react to any treats.
Posture:
Signs of discomfort; may sit hunched or tense.
Abdomen:
Gently palpate; it should feel soft, not hard or bloated.
4. Hydration Test
Pinch the skin at the back of the neck; slow return indicates dehydration
Important Precautions
No Forced Feeding: symptoms might be a blockage, not stasis, and that forced feeding can exacerbate the problem.
No Medications Without Vet Guidance: Avoid giving medications unless directed; some can be harmful based on cause of stasis.
Stabilization Steps (If Vet Visit is Delayed)
Encourage Hydration: Offer water in a shallow bowl or via syringe if experienced.
Warmth:
For temperatures 99°F and below: Use a heating pad on low, ensuring the rabbit can move away if needed. (reference pictures at the end)
For temperatures 104°F and above: Cool with a little water on the ears.
Environment: Keep the area quiet and calm to minimize stress.
Encourage Movement: Gently encourage movement if your rabbit is willing.
Monitor: Document any changes in condition or behavior for the vet.
Clean Living Area: Clean the litter box to monitor droppings for signs of blockage. Bring in any droppings when you see your vet.
Baby gas drops (simethicone) While they are not harmful, they usually aren't helpful either since they won't do anything for stasis or blockage.
If the rabbit’s temperature is below 100 F you should use a baby heating pad.
Place the heating pad set to low under their housing. The bunny can hop on off as needed.
You can bunny wrap the bunny the bunny if needed.
Note: Let the DVM know that the bunny was on a heating pad as it can effect the temperature taken at the DVM office.
If the bunny has a temperature greater then 104 and above you can help cool the bunny water on their ears. Rabbits expel heat through their ears.
How to take the Temperature of your Rabbit.
It is important for you to know how to take the temperature of your rabbit. The normal temperature range is 101F to 103F. Bunny 911 is 99F and below or 104F and above. If you feel your bunny is sick you should take their temperature. You should first take their temperature when your bunny is healthy. You don't want to this for the first time when your bunny is sick. You might get an invalid reading (You might not have put it in far enough). You can learn from your DVM, local rabbit group or shelter.
Conclusion
This guide aims to stabilize your rabbit until professional veterinary care can be obtained. If severe symptoms or changes in breathing are observed, seek veterinary assistance immediately. Your rabbit’s health is a priority!