🩺🐰 Vet Guide 2025: Planning for GI‑Stasis Emergencies in Small Herbivores — By Dr Duncan Houston

GI stasis—a slowdown or halt in gut motility—is a common, potentially life-threatening emergency in rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas. In this 2025 guide, I’ll help you build a GT-stasis emergency toolkit, recognize early warning signs, support gut health, and work effectively with your veterinarian. Let’s ensure preparedness and peace of mind! 😊

🏥 What Is GI Stasis & Why It Matters

GI stasis occurs when the digestive system slows or stops, causing food and gas to stagnate—leading to pain, bloating, and serious health risks. It may feel like hairball but is often far more dangerous :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

🚨 Early Signs You Can’t Ignore

• ❌ Reduced or no appetite (especially no hay/pellets, may still take treats) :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• 💩 Smaller, infrequent droppings or none at all (sometimes hard “doughy” stools or gas-filled abdomens) :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• 😫 Lethargy, hunched posture, teeth grinding, abdominal distension :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• ❄ Temperature changes—cold ears or low body temp—must be taken as an emergency :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

🧰 Build Your Emergency Kit

• 📦 Oxbow Critical Care Herbivore (variety of flavors)—reconstituted into a thin slurry; offer monthly as a treat to reduce stress in emergencies :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• 🥄 Syringes (1–10 mL) and feeding supplies (bowls/spoons).
• 🍍 Papaya or pineapple juice—natural enzymes to ease digestion :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• 🌾 Assortment of hay (Timothy, Orchard, Alfalfa) and high-fiber greens for variety and stimulation :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• 🔥 Warm water bottle or heating pad to prevent hypothermia :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• 📋 List of vet contacts, medications (e.g., metoclopramide, simethicone, meloxicam), and a weight diary.

🍽 Emergency Feeding Protocol

• 🧂 Prepare Critical Care slurry with warm water—thin consistency improves acceptance :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• 🍼 Offer slowly via syringe, bowl, or spoon; let pet self-feed if able :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• 🥘 Try different flavors and textures—rotate as needed to encourage intake :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• 🚫 Avoid working hay in feeders—spread fresh hay on the floor or rest areas to encourage nibbling :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.

💧 Hydration & Comfort Measures

• 💧 Provide fresh water and hydrating vegetables (e.g., cucumber, leafy greens) :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• 🛁 Maintain warm, stress-free environment—keep them quiet and comfortable.
• ⚠ Monitor urine output and body temperature daily.

⚕ Partner with Your Exotic Vet

• 🩺 Use GI stasis as a teaching point—ensure they know your kit and can guide usage :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• 📅 Include weight and gut-motility monitoring during routine visits to catch early changes :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
• 💊 Ask about keeping low-dose metoclopramide or simethicone on-hand, but only use under vet guidance :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.

🗂 Long-Term Prevention Strategy

• 🌾 Unlimited fresh, long-stem grass hay and a balanced pellet diet (20–25% pellets) :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
• 🏃 Daily exercise to promote gut motility and reduce stress :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.
• 😌 Minimize stress from sudden changes in environment, diet, or handling :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.
• 🧮 Keep a behavior & droppings log to detect subtle changes over time.

📌 Dr Duncan Houston’s GI‑Stasis Emergency Checklist

1. Emergency kit: Critical Care, syringes, juices, hay mix, hydration tools
2. Practice mixing/flavors monthly so pet is familiar
3. Observe hay intake, droppings, appetite, posture daily
4. Spread hay everywhere—don’t use feeders during crisis
5. Keep pet warm, comfortable, and hydrated
6. Contact exotic vet at first sign of stasis
7. Discuss home-use medications with vet (e.g., metoclopramide)
8. Ensure unlimited high-fiber diet & exercise daily
9. Maintain weight log, vet contacts, and behavior notes
10. Use Ask A Vet for photos, videos, and immediate advice 📱

🌈 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

GI stasis is a serious but manageable emergency—early detection, preparedness, and confident action can save lives. With your emergency kit, a trustworthy vet, and consistent home monitoring, you’re equipped to respond swiftly and effectively. Keep your herbivore’s gut active with hay, exercise, gentle handling, and professional support. Whenever you’re unsure, reach out via the Ask A Vet app. Together, we’ll navigate emergencies and keep your pet thriving. 🐾📱