To a rabbit owner, Gastrointestinal (GI) stasis is a scary experience to avoid at all cost! In the past week, we had 2 rabbits that fell ill because of GI stasis and we hope to share our experience. It is an extremely common problem but if left untreated, can have fatal consequences.

Bean is usually an active girl who loves to munch on her hay. But yesterday morning, she was abnormally quiet and refused her breakfast. We also found small puddles of wet stool in her playpen. These are signs of gastrointestinal discomfort and she requires immediate attention.

In most cases, we would have started some first aid treatment. This includes administering Rid Wind and a tummy massage to expel the gas, follow by some Fiberplex and Critical Care to get the tract going. However, the wet stool is a sign of dehydration which requires subcutaneous fluids. We decided to bring her directly to the vet.

Bean was seen at Vet Central​. They took an X-ray and found some gas bubbles in her digestive tract. They also conducted a blood test and confirmed she was dehydrated but with no sign of infection. Based on the diagnosis, she was prescribed with GI medication as well as subcutaneous fluids.

Back home, we started the 4-hourly treatment of oral medication and subcutaneous injection. Gradually, we could see her feeling better. In the evening, she pooped out a bunch of stringy poo! These are formed due to over ingestion of fur and that could have caused the intestinal blockage and created the discomfort from the gas buildup.

Today, Bean is doing much better and with proper medication, we believe that her GI episode will pass soon. We were thankful that she is responding to her treatment. Now that we know her GI episode is caused by her fur, we will increase her grooming frequency to prevent a relapse again.

GI stasis is extremely common in rabbits due to their sensitive digestive tracts. In Bean’s case, it was caused by fur blockage but in actual fact, can be triggered by stress, infection, pain, and all sorts of discomfort. It’s important for rabbit owners to catch early sign and seek prompt help. If left untreated, it can result in fatality.

For more information about GI stasis, please read here: https://www.facebook.com/BunnyWonderlandSg/photos/a.383549241828536/733091253540998/?type=3