
Stress: Bunnies are sensitive, perceptive creatures. Extreme temperatures (heat and cold) can contribute to dehydration. When bunnies are dehydrated, their guts lack the lubrication to move food through their systems. Poison/toxic substances: Eating certain houseplants, desiccant moisture-absorbing packets, medication, and exposure to common household pesticides, herbicides, paint, and cleaning products are all potential culprits.ĭehydration: Bunnies need constant access to plenty of clean water in a bowl in a temperature-controlled environment. Issues like fly strike can cause pain and infection.

Parasites and vector-borne illnesses: Worms, coccidia, and other parasites cause discomfort and potential intestinal scarring over time. Pain from another medical issue: Dental problems, ear infections, respiratory/sinus issues, pain from injuries, and other illnesses can cause bunnies to stop eating. Intestinal blockage: A blockage can occur from fur, for example, or ingestion of a foreign object such as carpet or staples, or from unsafe foods such as nuts or seeds. Never feed rabbits unsafe treats like yogurt drops, nuts, or seeds even if they appear to be marketed to rabbit parents.

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Foods that produce excessive gas such as kale, cabbage, and broccoli make bunnies feel full, even when their systems are mainly full of gas. Fruit, treats, and junk food are frequent culprits in GI Stasis. Starchy foods and sugars can be dangerous. Improper diet: The single most common cause of GI Stasis is insufficient hay consumption. Potential underlying causes of GI stasis include: If you hear nothing or can hear loud GI noises, it’s not normal and it’s not okay. Silent or loud/irregular gut sounds: Rabbits need to eat, drink, and go potty constantly to stay healthy. Hot or cold ears: Fever or hypothermia may be present and the bunny may be struggling to regulate their body temperature. If you can hear it from a couple feet away, it’s not the soft teeth purring of a happy bunny. Teeth grinding: Loud teeth grinding is a sign of pain. Unusual body postures and/or bloating: Odd positions and behaviors such as pressing bellies into the floor, constantly changing positions, and hard bloated abdomens are signs of trouble. Lethargy: Lack of energy, often staying in a hidey box during usual meal time or other active times of day, that is beyond usual sleepiness, is worrisome. Save “weird” poops in a plastic bag labeled with the date to show a veterinarian. Refusing water: Failing to drink water or hanging pathetically over the water bowl without drinking are danger signs.ĭecreased fecal output: Small, irregular shaped, dry stool, less stool, and/or “chain of pearls” or “cherry” poops strung together with fur can signal that a problem is present. Refusing food: When bunnies will not eat their favorite bunny-safe greens and pellets, even their favorite treats, this is cause for concern. The more time you spend with your rabbit inside your home, the easier it is to identify medical issues and take swift action. If you know your rabbit’s usual habits, you’ll be more likely to notice a problem and get care faster.

This will enable you to tell if they are acting “strange” and gather information that could be helpful for a veterinarian. As a bunny parent, you will need to be a detective who is attentive to your rabbit’s normal behavior. Additional works cited are listed at the end of this page.Īs prey animals, when rabbits get sick or feel pain, they will often try to hide their symptoms for as long as they possibly can. In addition to the Rabbit Advocates guide, this University of New South Wales resource contains excellent information. If you are in the Portland, Oregon area, please consult our list of rabbit-savvy veterinarians.
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If it has been more than 12 hours since your rabbit has eaten or produced feces, contact a rabbit-savvy veterinarian immediately. This page is for informational purposes only, and cannot replace professional care from a rabbit-savvy veterinarian. GI stasis is potentially life-threatening and should be considered an emergency. It is also known as ileus and is usually a symptom that results from one or more underlying causes. Gastrointestinal (GI) Stasis is a lot like it sounds: it’s when the movement of a rabbit's digestive tract slows down or stops, and it is a medical emergency for rabbits.
