Rabbits have a unique digestive system that works differently from ours. Understanding how their gut functions is key to keeping them healthy and preventing serious problems like gastrointestinal stasis. In this article we will look at what gastrointestinal stasis is, what causes it has, and what can be done to try and prevent it from happening.
What is gastrointestinal stasis?
We speak of Gastrointestinal stasis when a rabbit’s intestinal movement slows down or completely stops. To understand what happens when a rabbit experiences gastrointestinal stasis, it’s important to first understand how their digestive system works, which is quite different from ours. Rabbits have a cecum in their intestinal tract, located at the junction between the small and large intestine. It’s a large chamber that can hold up to 40% of the rabbit’s digestive contents and houses specific enzymes and bacteria that help break down the food they eat.
Rabbits are hindgut fermenters, which means that instead of digesting all their food in the stomach and small intestine like we do, a large part of the digestion happens later, in the cecum. Here, fiber and other plant material are fermented by bacteria, which is a process that breaks down complex carbohydrates and produces nutrients the rabbit can then absorb. This fermentation process is essential for their health, but it relies on a steady intake of fiber and a stable balance of gut bacteria. When the balance of gut bacteria is disrupted, excess gas can build up, leading to bloating, pain, and in severe cases, the release of dangerous and life threatening toxins.
Symptoms
A rabbit that is experiencing gastrointestinal stasis may show the following symptoms
- No, or a reduced amount of production of faeces.
- Having no, or a decreased, appetite
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Grinding of their teeth
- Hunched posture
- Having a lower body temperature, which may be noticed by the rabbit having cold limbs or ears
- Pain in the abdomen.
Causes
Diet
To keep your rabbit’s digestive system healthy, they need to be fed a proper, balanced diet. Rabbits require a constant supply of hay, which is high in indigestible fiber. This fiber is crucial to keep the gut moving and to support healthy fermentation in the cecum. A lack of fiber, too many sugary treats, or sudden changes in diet can all disrupt this delicate balance and increase the risk of gastrointestinal stasis.
Dental problems
A rabbit’s teeth grow continuously throughout their life and are naturally worn down through regular chewing. However, sometimes this process doesn’t go as it should, and the teeth can become overgrown. When dental problems arise, they can cause discomfort or pain while eating, leading to changes in eating habits. This reduction in food intake can then affect digestion and may contribute to the development of gastrointestinal stasis.
Stress, Illness or Pain
Anything that changes your rabbit’s eating pattern, such as illness, pain, or stress, can cause the gastrointestinal tract to slow down, leading to gastrointestinal stasis. If you notice any changes in your rabbit’s eating or drinking habits, it should be investigated by a vet as soon as possible. Rabbits can deteriorate quickly, so don’t take a “wait and see” approach.
Others Causes
There are other reasons for gastrointestinal stasis, such as obstruction, for example when hairballs or foreign material blocks the digestive tract. Certain medications like opioids may slow down its function too. Surgery or handling of the GI tract can cause inflammation and disrupt the balance of bacteria. Antibiotics can also significantly alter gut bacteria. Though uncommon, chronic exposure to lead toxicity may cause gastrointestinal issues as well.
Treatment
The treatment of GI stasis will depend on how severe the condition is. Treating GI stasis starts with finding and addressing the underlying cause.
Treatment will include:
Nutrition: Rabbits need regular food. If they won’t eat, your vet may use a feeding tube and special food to aid recovery.
Fluids: A mild case of GI stasis may only need fluids under the skin, but severe cases often need IV fluids.
Heat support: Keeping your rabbit warm and hydrated is important, especially if their temperature or heart rate is low
Pain relief: Medication to help battle pain is essential because a rabbit in pain won’t eat. The cause of the pain also needs to be treated.
GI meds: Medication that helps the gut move and medicine to reduce gas can be helpful. Antibiotics are only used if there is an infection or a serious bacterial problem. Never give your rabbit any medicine without consulting with your vet first.
Surgery may be needed as a last resort, which usually happens for blockages caused by hair or foreign objects. It carries more risks and requires the rabbit to be stable before anesthesia.
Conclusion
Keeping a rabbit’s digestive system healthy will prevent the development of GI stasis. If you ever notice changes in your rabbit’s eating and/or elimination habits, consult with a vet as soon as possible. Rabbits can get worse quickly, and responding in a timely manner can make all the difference.
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