GI Stasis

Gastrointestinal (GI) Stasis

GI Stasis, also known as ileus, is the slowdown or complete cessation of “peristalsis” which is the involuntary contraction and relaxation of the muscles of the intestine that propels food through the digestive tract. GI stasis is a common and potentially life-threatening condition in rabbits that requires immediate veterinary attention. It is not a spontaneous occurrence but a symptom of something in the rabbit’s diet or environment that causes it to stop eating.

This is a medical emergency and can result in a painful death within just 12-24 hours without veterinary intervention.

If your rabbit is not eating, is refusing food and treats, or is not pooping they need to go to the vet immediately.

CAUSES

  • Improper Diet: not offering enough hay and/or offering too much greens / pellets.
  • Dehydration: inadequate water intake (water bottles) leading to constipation.
  • Obstruction / Blockages: also known as “bloat” or “wool block” can be caused by not grooming enough or ingesting plastic / rubber.
  • Lack of Exercise: a sedentary lifestyle due to restricted space (cages / hutches) or lack of interaction.
  • Environmental Stressors: moving, the loss of a companion,  loud noises (children, dogs barking, construction, fireworks) can cause rabbits to stop eating due to fear.
  • Pain: dental disease, urinary tract infections, cancer, or other underlying medical conditions can lead to a decreased appetite.

SYMPTOMS

GI Stasis is sometimes referred to as the “silent killer” because the symptoms are very subtle. Be vigilant for any changes in appetite, fecal output, energy level and behavior as these can indicate an underlying health issue.

  • Anorexia: inappetence or a decrease in appetite, refusing even treats.
  • Lack of or Abnormal Fecal Production: small, dark, hard fecal pellets; or little to no fecal output for 8 hours or more.
  • Teeth Grinding: different then teeth purring, loud grinding is a sign of pain.
  • Lethargy or Hiding: sluggishness, a decrease in usual activity or hiding can indicate discomfort or pain.
  • Signs of Discomfort: belly pressing or frequently shifting positions as if they cannot get comfortable.

DIAGNOSIS

A veterinarian will try determine if your rabbit is in stasis or is obstructed (bloat) by palpating their abdomen. They will need to perform further testing, usually blood-work and x-rays, to determine the cause and proper course of treatment.

  • Medical History: inquiring about diet, housing and other factors in the home to determine if environmental stressors could be the cause.
  • Physical Exam: taking vital signs; checking the eyes, ears, nose and mouth for signs of illness; feeling the abdomen to check for the presence of food / feces, gas or an obstruction.
  • Blood Tests: help differentiate underlying conditions such as obstruction (elevated glucose), liver torsion (elevated ALT) or kidney failure (elevated BUN / creatine).
  • Imaging: X-rays or ultrasound of the gastrointestinal tract.

TREATMENT

Treatment is aimed at restore GI motility while addressing the underlying cause(s).

  • Analgesics: Buprenorphine or Meloxicam reduce pain to encourage the rabbit to start eating again.
  • Fluids: IV or subcutaneous fluids (Lactated Ringer’s solution) are given to rehydrate the rabbit and soften impacted feces.
  • Motility / Appetite Stimulants: Cisapride, Cyproheptide, Ondansetron or Entyce may be used to stimulate gut motility and appetite.
  • Nutritional Support: Oxbow Critical Care, EmerAid or Sherwood Digestive Support can be offered in a bowl if the rabbit is eating or syringe fed if they are not.

DO NOT attempt to syringe feed critical care until an exotic veterinarian has ruled out an obstruction, also known as “bloat”. Doing so can cause the stomach or intestine to rupture as the food cannot pass.

*How to distinguish GI Stasis & Bloat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVW6Rw5rZzo

PROGNOSIS & PREVENTION

The prognosis for rabbits with GI stasis depends on how quickly it is caught and treated, and the underlying cause. Early intervention typically results in a positive outcome, while delayed treatment leads to severe complications such as gut perforation, sepsis, and death.

Preventative measures:

  • Diet: feed a high-fiber diet of hay, with limited pellets and fresh vegetables. Watch to make sure that rabbits are eating normally and monitor fecal output and weight changes.
  • Grooming: do not skip grooming to limit the amount of hair ingested.
  • Exercise: providing plenty of space and encourage physical activity.
  • Stress Reduction: minimizing stressors and provide a stable, calm, and quiet environment.
  • Health Checks: Perform a weekly or monthly health check at home and take your rabbit to an exotic specialist for an annual wellness exam to catch and treat any health issues.