GI Stasis Bunny

What is GI Stasis in Rabbits?

GI stasis, or gastrointestinal stasis, is a potentially deadly condition in which the rabbit’s digestive system slows down or stops completely. When this happens, harmful bacteria build up in the intestines and release gas, causing extreme pain for the rabbit.

Because the rabbit is in pain and its gut isn’t moving, it will stop eating or drinking, which worsens the situation. The contents in their digestive system become more compact, and bacteria can travel to the liver, leading to liver failure.

What Causes GI Stasis in Rabbits?

It’s important to note that GI stasis doesn’t happen suddenly but rather gradually. Here are some common causes:

• Low fiber diet: Not having enough fiber from their food, with too much sugar and carbohydrates, can cause GI stasis. So you have closely monitor your rabbit diet system and should follow proper rabbit diet system. You can also read my another article about “what to feed baby bunny”.
• Stress: Losing a bondmate or environmental changes can lead to stress, which may cause your rabbit to stop eating. If u can bring a partner for your rabbit and provide enough toys which he/she like to play with. Spend quality time with them if they loss their partner or if you pet only one. You can read my another article about “how to bond with your rabbit”.
• Pain: Any pain your rabbit may have, such as from urinary tract infections, gas, or dental issues, can contribute. If you any symptoms of these, talk to your vet. You can also read about “rabbit sick symptoms”.
• Dental Problems: If your rabbit’s teeth are too long, or they’re in pain from their teeth, they won’t want to eat. It can also lead to GI stasis. You can also read “how to keep rabbits teeth healthy”.
• Lack of Exercise: Rabbits need plenty of exercise, or their digestive system may slow down. Exercise is need for your rabbit. But most of the people ignore this important one. I have an article about this topic “how much exercise do rabbits need” just click to check it out.

How to Spot GI Stasis in Rabbits

Sometimes GI stasis isn’t noticeable until it’s too late. Here are symptoms to watch for:

• Small or misshaped poops
• No poops at all
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• A hunched posture

Quick Tip: The Treat Test

A quick way to test for GI stasis is with a treat test. Offer one of your rabbit’s favorite treats—if they don’t eat it, there’s a good chance they have GI stasis. I personally test this if I anything see abnormal in my rabbit.

What to Do if Your Rabbit Has GI Stasis

If you suspect your rabbit has GI stasis, take them to the vet immediately. Again, take them to vet as early as possible. Your vet may give:

• Antibiotics
• Pain medication
• Syringe feeding of Critical Care or other essential care products
• At home, you can follow some steps to support your rabbit’s recovery.

Home Remedies for GI Stasis in Rabbits

Look as I said before, if your rabbit catch GI stasis you should go to your vet, but if you can’t do it early for any reason you can do this in very early stage. If you catch GI stasis early, you can try syringe feeding 100% pineapple juice. Pineapple juice contains natural enzymes that help break up blockages and support the digestive system. Here are some other things you can do:

• Infant Gas Relief Drops: These are available at most drugstores and can help relieve gas.
• Syringe Feeding: This can be difficult but is necessary to get your rabbit to eat. Critical Care is a great product to use, but if you don’t have it, mix your rabbit’s pellets with warm water and pineapple juice. I have an article “critical care for rabbits: a step by step emergency guide” just click to check this out.
• Belly Massages: Gently massage your rabbit’s lower belly area for about 10 minutes, several times a day. This helps break up gas bubbles and move blockages through the system.

Long-Term Care for GI Stasis in Rabbits

It can take days or even a week of syringe feeding before your rabbit starts eating on its own again. When they do, offer:

Lots of hay: Hay is crucial for fiber.

Fresh greens with water: These help hydrate your rabbit and provide fiber. Avoid pellets for a while to ensure your rabbit gets plenty of fiber and hydration from the greens. You can also read “what can’t rabbit eat”.

How to Prevent GI Stasis in Rabbits

Many people believe that veggies cause GI stasis, but I don’t agree. I believe veggies help prevent it. However, you shouldn’t overfeed veggies, as it can cause calcium problems. You can read “why won’t my bunny eat”.

Here are some ways to prevent GI stasis:

• High-Fiber Diet: Ensure your rabbit has a hay-based diet with high-quality hay like timothy, orchard grass, meadow, brome, or oat hay. This keeps their digestive system moving and helps wear down their teeth. You can also read “what vegetables can rabbit eat”.
• Exercise: Make sure your rabbit gets plenty of daily exercise to keep their gut active.
• Manage Stress: Avoid major changes in their environment or routine. Stressful things like loud barking dogs can affect your rabbit’s health.
• Slow Changes: Any changes in environment or routine should be made gradually to avoid stress.

Conclusion: Why GI Stasis is a Serious Rabbit Condition

GI stasis is a very serious condition that kills hundreds of rabbits each year because their owners aren’t aware of the symptoms or how to handle it. It’s not just a sickness—it’s a condition that needs immediate attention.

That’s all for today. Hope you now got it about GI stasis bunny and symptoms and how to prevent this. If want explore more information about rabbit care, and tips please visit my other articles. If you found this article helpful, please share it with your bunny lover friends.