Gastrointestinal stasis, or GI stasis, is a condition in rabbits where the passage of food through the gastrointestinal tract slows down or stops completely. 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, but by a change in GI bacteria. Some common causes of GI stasis in rabbits include:
- Inappropriate diet, such as a diet too high in carbohydrates and fat and too low in digestible fiber
- Stressful events, such as illness or painful conditions
- Lack of exercise
- Pain from underlying issues, such as dental problems like molar spurs, urinary tract infections, or gas
Signs of GI stasis in rabbits include a gradual decrease in appetite over 2 to 7 days, a decrease in fecal production, small and/or malformed fecal pellets, no fecal pellets, loss of appetite, lethargy, hunched posture, and grinding teeth. If your rabbit is demonstrating any of these symptoms, it is important to bring them to a rabbit-savvy vet immediately. Treatment of GI stasis may include medication, fluid therapy, syringe feeding, and pain management. There are several measures you can take to help prevent the occurrence of GI stasis, such as ensuring your rabbit is getting a proper, hay-based diet, providing regular exercise, and having your rabbit checked regularly by a veterinarian who can monitor for the occurrence of other underlying diseases that may contribute to the condition.
