TOTAL Tranquility- A THREE minute TOUR

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Taking on any pet is a huge responsibility and when thinking about keeping your rabbit healthy, it is important to note that rabbits tend to hide signs of illness or injury because they are prey animals. 

In the wild, sick rabbits are targeted by predators as an easy meal. Therefore, the rabbits’ self-preserving instinct to hide illness is also hard-wired in domesticated pet rabbits.  

It is extremely important to continually monitor your rabbit for any changes in behaviour. This way, you can spot the early signs that they are poorly and take action.

A very serious, but fairly common health issue pet rabbits face is gastrointestinal stasis. GI (or gut) stasis in which the digestive system slows down or stops completely. Bad bacteria then builds up in the intestines and releases gas into the system, causing very painful bloating and further decreasing a rabbit’s motivation to eat or drink.

This then compounds the problem because the rabbit will become more dehydrated and starved of essential nutrients and roughage to keep the gut moving.

The contents of the digestive tract will become more compact, and the rabbit will have an even more difficult time passing it through. The bacteria can also release toxins into the system which overtax the liver and can cause the organ to ultimately fail.

Causes of GI Stasis in Rabbits

The slowdown of the digestive system can be caused by:

• One of the most common causes of GI stasis is a diet too high in carbohydrates and fat and too low in digestible fibre. ... 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.
• Stress (from losing a bonded mate, a change in environment, recent surgery etc.)
• Pain from underlying issues (dental problems like molar spurs, urinary tract infections, gas)
• Lack of exercise

Signs of GI Stasis

If your rabbit is showing any of these symptoms, take them to a rabbit-savvy vet immediately:

• Small and/or malformed fecal/poo pellets
• No fecal/poo pellets
• Loss of appetite
• Change in behaviour such as lethargy or hunched posture

Treatment of GI Stasis

Your vet will try to determine the cause of the slowdown. If there is an underlying condition, this will need to be addressed first. The vet may take x-rays or listen to the abdomen with a stethascope to assess the blockage and the presence of gas. If the vet has determined that the best course of treatment is to stimulate motility in the gut, he/she may administer the following:

• Motility drugs (like cisapride) which help stimulate movement in the digestive system
• IV fluids which help soften the mass in the intestines
• Pain medication (such as Metacam) to alleviate discomfort due to gas buildup.
• Syringe feeding of Critical Care to ensure the rabbit continues to get essential nutrients
• Antibiotics (like Baytril) to combat the overgrowth of harmful bacteria (used with caution because antibiotics can also disrupt the presence of good, essential bacteria in the digestive system).

It is also important to provide plenty of fresh hay and greens for the rabbit should he/she get the urge to eat. Providing fragrant herbs, like mint or basil, may help entice a rabbit who is not overly eager to eat.

With these treatments, time, and patience, a rabbit suffering from GI stasis can make a full recovery. But it is important to recognise the symptoms early and take your rabbit to a rabbit-savvy vet immediately for these treatments.

How to Prevent GI Stasis

There are several measures you can take to help prevent the occurrence of GI stasis. 

The best way to prevent GI stasis from developing in your bunny is to feed it a high-fibre, hay-based diet with supplemental vegetables, a small amount of pellets, and small amounts of fruit (as fruit is high in carbohydrates). Avoid all cereal based treats and yogurt drop type treats as these have very little nutritional value for rabbits and does nothing to provide the fibre they require.

Another way to prevent this condition is to bring your rabbit in for regular veterinary checkups. After examining your rabbit, a vet may may be able to detect underlying health issues that your rabbit has so far successfully hidden from you, such as infections or dental problems.

Third, evaluate your rabbit’s living space. Rabbits need plenty of room to exercise in a bunny-proofed or supervised area. They do best when they are included in family life, but they are prone to high stress levels when there are major changes to their environment and routine, such as the loss of a bonded partner or an influx of household visitors. So do your best to create a happy, healthy environment for your bunny.

Author’s Note

In no means should this article be considered a substitute for veterinary advice. The purpose of this article is to spread awareness of a very serious health issue pet rabbits can face. It doesn’t take much time from when you notice changes in diet or behaviour for a rabbit’s condition to deteriorate dramatically.

The best course of action is to take your rabbit to a rabbit-savvy vet at the very first sign.

Summay:- If you notice the signs of GI stasis, take your bunny to the vets & do not wait and see if they will get better on their own!