When Your Rabbit Stops Eating (GI Stasis)

What is GI stasis?

Rabbits need to keep food moving through their gut all the time. In gastrointestinal (GI) stasis, the gut slows down or stops. Gas can build up, and the rabbit feels pain and eats even less. It is a serious condition and can become life-threatening quickly. It is often a sign of something else, such as pain, stress, a dental problem, an infection or a blockage, so your vet needs to find the cause.

Signs to watch for

• Little or no appetite. Turning down hay, pellets or a favorite treat.
• Few, small or no droppings. Droppings may be tiny, dry or misshapen before they stop.
• Hunched, still or hiding. Sitting very quietly, pressed against a wall, or sitting in an odd position.
• Loud tooth grinding. A harsh grinding sound is often a sign of pain.
• A swollen or hard belly. Or a belly that gurgles loudly, or is silent.
• Less energy. Not interested in what’s going on around them.

What to do right now

1. Call a vet who treats rabbits. Explain what you see, and ask whether to bring your rabbit in at once. Go if they say so.
2. Keep your rabbit warm and calm. A quiet, comfortable spot. Handle them gently.
3. Offer hay, water and a favorite fresh green. If your rabbit will eat on their own, that’s a good sign. Don’t force it.
4. Write down the details. When they last ate or pooped, any recent changes, and what you’ve seen. Take photos of droppings.
5. Take your rabbit in a carrier. Secure, with a soft towel, and keep the car cool.

What the vet may do

Your vet will examine your rabbit and may take X-rays or run tests to look for a blockage or another cause. Treatment can include pain relief, fluids, medicine to get the gut moving once a blockage is ruled out, assisted feeding with a special recovery food, and treating whatever started it. Some rabbits need to stay for care.

Helping prevent it

• Unlimited hay. Fiber keeps the gut moving. See Rabbit Diet 101.
• Fresh water, always. Dehydration makes things worse.
• Exercise every day. Time out of the pen helps the gut stay active.
• Keep stress low. Sudden changes, loud noise and a new home can upset a rabbit.
• Regular vet checks. Dental problems and pain are common causes. A rabbit vet can catch them early.
• Know your rabbit’s normal. Check appetite and droppings every day. See Rabbit Poop 101.
• Keep an emergency number handy. Find a vet with this guide, and save your vet’s number and the nearest after-hours vet before you need them.