01/17/2025
🛑Fast-Action Friday: What to Do When Your Rabbit Shows Signs of GI Stasis🛑
Gastrointestinal (GI) stasis is a life-threatening condition in rabbits where the digestive system slows down or stops completely. Acting quickly can save your rabbit’s life.
Symptoms of GI Stasis:
✔ Decreased Appetite – Your rabbit refuses pellets, hay, and even favorite treats.
✔ Reduced or Absent F***l Output – Fewer droppings, tiny droppings, or none at all.
✔ Lethargy – Unusual inactivity or hiding more than normal.
✔ Hunched Posture – Sitting with a tense body due to pain.
✔ Teeth Grinding – A sign of discomfort or distress.
✔ Abdominal Bloating – A swollen or firm belly may indicate gas buildup.
Immediate Steps to Take:
1. Contact a Rabbit-Savvy Veterinarian Immediately
GI stasis is a medical emergency. A vet can provide fluids, pain relief, and gut motility medications if needed.
2. Provide Fresh Hay and Water – No Pellets
• Remove all pellets and only offer unlimited fresh hay.
• Why? Pellets are concentrated and can contribute to further gut slowdown.
• Make sure your rabbit has constant access to fresh water to prevent dehydration.
3. Offer Infant Gas Drops (Simethicone) Safely
• Baby gas drops (Simethicone 20mg/ml) are safe for rabbits and can help relieve gas pain.
• Dosage: 1 ml every hour for 3 hours, then every 3-8 hours as needed.
• This is not a cure but can provide temporary relief while you seek veterinary care.
4. Keep Your Rabbit Warm and Moving
• A rabbit in distress may stop moving, which worsens the condition.
• Gently encourage movement (if they are willing) to help stimulate digestion.
• Keep them warm, but not overheated. A light towel wrap can help if they feel cold.
5. How Alfalfa Hay Can Play a Part
• If your rabbit is struggling to eat any hay, you can offer alfalfa hay temporarily.
• Why? Alfalfa has a stronger smell and taste, which may entice a rabbit to eat.
• This is only for short-term use, as alfalfa is high in calcium and protein.
Veterinary Treatment May Include:
✅ Fluid Therapy – To rehydrate and soften gut contents.
✅ Pain Relief – GI stasis is painful, and pain relief is crucial.
✅ Gut Motility Medications – If needed, a vet may prescribe meds to stimulate digestion.
✅ Nutritional Support – If the rabbit is not eating, syringe feeding with a high-fiber formula like Critical Care may be necessary.
Preventing GI Stasis in the Future:
✔ High-Fiber Diet – Ensure unlimited access to fresh hay.
✔ Hydration – Encourage drinking water by offering it in both bowls and bottles.
✔ Regular Exercise – Helps keep the gut moving.
✔ Reduce Stress – Sudden changes, loud noises, or new environments can trigger stasis.
⏳ Catching GI stasis early and taking fast action can mean the difference between life and death for your rabbit. If your rabbit shows symptoms, follow these steps and get veterinary help as soon as possible.
With Love, Mandi🍀 Lucky Girl Rabbitry
Picture of our Gabbi!! She’s one of our best mamas!!