🐰 The Vet’s Guide to Rabbit Gastric Dilation & Bloat in 2025

Authored by Dr Duncan Houston BVSc – professional veterinarian & Ask A Vet founder. This comprehensive guide explores gastric dilation, commonly called bloat, in pet rabbits. You'll find clear explanations of causes, symptoms, emergency treatment, postoperative care, and prevention strategies—all with compassionate, medically-sound advice for 2025.

🔍 What Is Gastric Dilation (Bloat)?

Gastric dilation occurs when gas and/or fluid rapidly accumulate in a rabbit’s stomach, often due to an obstruction that prevents normal passage of ingesta—and because rabbits cannot vomit or belch, the build‑up becomes painful and life-threatening :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

⚠️ Why Rabbits Are at Risk

• Trichobezoars (hairballs): Duo to constant grooming, many rabbits ingest fur that forms clumps, which may block the small intestine :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
• Foreign bodies: Ingenuity and environment may lead to ingestion of carpet fibers, plastic, or fibrous materials :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Underlying disease: Tumors, adhesions, intussusception can also cause obstruction :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Rabbits can’t vomit: No release mechanism means rapid stomach distension :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

🚩 Signs to Watch For

• Sudden anorexia or refusal to eat/drink
• Distended, tense belly on palpation :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• Abdominal pain, hunched posture, reluctance to move :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• No fecal output
• Rapid breathing, heart rate changes, possible shock :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• Depression, collapse, potentially sudden death in severe cases :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

🔬 Diagnosing the Condition

1. Physical examination: palpation reveals a distended stomach.
2. Imaging: X-rays show gas/fluid patterns and obstruction :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
3. Bloodwork: may reveal dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, hyperglycemia in some cases :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

💉 Emergency Treatment Protocol

1. Stabilization

• Start IV or intraosseous fluids immediately—subcutaneous fluids are insufficient :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Provide strong analgesia and sedation (e.g., fentanyl/fluanisone) :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Support body temperature—rewarming is essential in shock :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.

2. Gastric Decompression

• Under sedation/anesthesia, pass a stomach tube to release gas/fluid :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• If tube fails, percutaneous gastrocentesis may be considered, but risk of injury is higher :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.

3. Decide on Surgery

• If obstruction persists, exploratory surgery to remove a trichobezoar or foreign body is necessary :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
• Early surgery offers best chance of recovery; delay increases risk :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.

4. Post-Operative Care

• Continue IV fluids, warmth, and pain management.
• Provide antibiotics to prevent enterotoxemia :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
• Delay feeding; reintroduce easily digestible food once stabilized.
• Initiate motility agents (cisapride, metoclopramide) after surgery :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.

📈 Prognosis & Outcomes

Prognosis depends on timing: prompt intervention often leads to full recovery :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}. Delays or complications like gastric necrosis, sepsis, or perforation reduce survival rates significantly.

🏡 Prevention & Home Care

• Groom regularly: Especially during shedding seasons to reduce ingested hair.
• Provide high-fiber diets: Unlimited hay improves gut motility and prevents hair accumulation :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.
• Monitor behavior: Watch for decreased appetite or fecal output—act fast if noticed.
• Enrichment & stress reduction: Encourage movement to support healthy digestion.

⚠️ When to Seek Emergency Help Immediately

Visit your veterinarian or Ask A Vet without delay if your rabbit experiences:

• No eating or pooping for over 8 hours
• Distended abdomen or visible discomfort
• Rapid breathing or collapse

🤝 How Ask A Vet, Woopf & Purrz Can Help

• Ask A Vet: 24/7 tele-vet triage, advice for immediate first steps, and guidance for post-op recuperation.
• Woopf: Vet-formulated hairball-prevention hay, plus enrichment toys that promote chewing and movement.
• Purrz: Digestive support supplements, gut motility aids, and hydration boosters for aftercare.

📚 Case Studies

Case: “Bunny” with Hairball Obstruction

Bunny presented with sudden anorexia and gas-distended abdomen. Emergency X-rays confirmed obstruction; underwent surgery to remove a trichobezoar. With fluids, pain management, and appetite stimulants, Bunny fully recovered within a week.

Case: “Fluffy” with Foreign Fiber Blockage

Fluffy ingested carpet fiber leading to gastric dilation. Decompression and immediate surgery saved her life. Post-operative care included antibiotics and syringe-fed critical care diet until eating resumed. Now thrives with enriched environment and regular grooming!

✅ Key Take-Home Points

• Bloat is a true emergency—fast recognition and intervention are lifesaving.
• Grooming and high-fiber diets reduce risk by preventing hair/fiber ingestion.
• Proper emergency protocols: stabilize, decompress, and consider surgery.
• Post-care involves fluids, pain control, antibiotics, gradual feeding, and supplements.
• Regular monitoring, enrichment, and tele-vet support protect long-term health.

With immediate action and supportive care in 2025, many rabbits bounce back from gastric dilation. Download the Ask A Vet app now for live help and expert guidance! 🐇❤️