🐰 Rabbit GI Stasis: Vet Causes, Diagnosis & Prevention Guide for 2025 💩

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Gastrointestinal stasis (GI stasis) in rabbits is one of the most common—and urgent—conditions treated in rabbit medicine. It’s not a disease itself, but a dangerous sign that something has disrupted your bunny’s digestive flow. In this detailed 2025 guide, I’ll walk you through the major causes, symptoms, diagnostic steps, and prevention tips to help your rabbit recover and thrive. 🐇🩺

📉 What Is GI Stasis?

GI stasis is when food stops moving through a rabbit’s digestive tract. This leads to a build-up of gas and harmful bacteria, causing pain, bloating, loss of appetite, and potentially death if not treated quickly. Unlike many other pets, rabbits are hindgut fermenters and rely on constant fiber intake to keep their guts moving. 🚫🥕💨

🔍 Common Causes of GI Stasis

🦷 1. Dental Disease

Dental issues are one of the leading causes of GI stasis. Rabbits have continuously growing teeth. Malocclusion, molar points, or dental abscesses can make chewing painful—causing reduced food intake and leading to stasis. 🦷💥

• 🩺 Routine dental exams (every 6–12 months)
• 📸 May require X-rays or sedated oral exam for full assessment

🥦 2. Poor Diet

Rabbits need a high-fiber diet rich in grass hay. Diets high in sugar, starch, or low in fiber (pellet-only or cereal-based) are a major contributor to primary GI stasis. 🚫🍬

• ✅ Feed unlimited grass hay (e.g., timothy)
• 🥬 Add fresh leafy greens daily
• ❌ Avoid high-carb snacks like oats, fruit, or cereals

🚽 3. Kidney & Bladder Disease

Pain or toxin build-up from urinary conditions can suppress appetite and trigger secondary stasis. Bladder stones or kidney issues may require urinalysis, bloodwork, and X-rays for proper diagnosis. 🧪💧

🧬 4. Reproductive Disease

Up to 80% of unspayed female rabbits develop uterine issues like uterine cancer or aneurysms. Stasis may be an early symptom, even before visible bleeding. 🩸🐇

• 🔍 Symptoms may mimic other causes
• 🩻 Imaging or surgery may be needed to diagnose and treat
• ⚠️ Spaying is preventive AND curative

☠️ 5. Toxicoses (e.g., Lead Poisoning)

Rabbits are especially sensitive to low-level lead exposure, especially in older homes with lead paint. This often presents with vague symptoms like anorexia and GI stasis. 🎨🏠

• 🧬 Common in free-roaming rabbits chewing baseboards or walls
• 🩺 Lead levels should be tested in unexplained, chronic GI stasis
• 💊 Most rabbits recover with detox treatment if diagnosed early

🧪 How Is GI Stasis Diagnosed?

Diagnosing the underlying cause of GI stasis is key. Your vet will perform:

• 📋 Full history and physical exam
• 🦷 Dental evaluation (may require sedation)
• 📸 Radiographs (to assess gut gas patterns, dental roots, or masses)
• 🩸 Blood work to check organ function, hydration, and toxins
• 💩 Fecal tests for parasites or pathogens

💊 Treatment Overview

For Most Rabbits:

• 💧 Fluids (oral or injectable to combat dehydration)
• 🥄 Syringe feeding (critical care diet)
• 🚽 GI motility drugs (like cisapride or metoclopramide)
• 💊 Pain relief (GI gas buildup is extremely painful)
• 🦷 Dental or surgical intervention if needed

Hospitalization may be necessary for rabbits that are severely bloated, lethargic, or unable to eat. 🏥

📈 Prognosis

Early intervention = better outcomes. Many cases resolve quickly with prompt care. However, rabbits left untreated can develop liver damage, sepsis, or fatal gas buildup. ⏱️

🧼 Prevention Tips for GI Stasis

• 🥦 Feed unlimited high-fiber hay
• 🧼 Keep water bowls clean and fresh
• 🦷 Schedule annual dental checks
• 🚷 Limit access to baseboards or lead paint surfaces
• 🩺 Spay female rabbits before 2 years of age
• 🐾 Monitor appetite and stool output daily

💡 Quick Rule:

If your rabbit hasn’t eaten or pooped in 12 hours—get to a vet. GI stasis is an emergency. 🚨

📲 Get Help Fast

Worried about decreased appetite or poops in your bunny? Reach out to Dr Duncan Houston via AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app for 24/7 rabbit support. 🧑‍⚕️📱

🐇 Final Thoughts

GI stasis may start subtly, but it can become deadly fast. With awareness, a fiber-rich diet, and prompt veterinary care, your rabbit can bounce back quickly. Stay alert and act early—your bunny's life may depend on it. 💚