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Digestive system · Updated 2026-09-21

Gastrointestinal stasis in rabbits

A dangerous slowing of gut movement that is usually secondary to pain, illness, stress, dehydration or unsuitable diet.

Emergency veterinary attentionRabbits
Veterinary care setting for rabbits
Visual guide to warning signs including breathing difficulty, appetite loss, vomiting, mobility change, abnormal droppings and collapse
Changes in breathing, appetite, movement, digestion or alertness can need veterinary assessment. Collapse and breathing difficulty are emergencies.

Signs to watch for

  • Eating less or stopping
  • Fewer or smaller droppings
  • Hunched posture
  • Tooth grinding
  • Bloated abdomen
  • Lethargy

Causes and risk factors

Dental pain, low-fibre intake, obstruction, dehydration, stress and many systemic diseases can trigger reduced gut movement.

How veterinarians diagnose it

A rabbit-experienced veterinarian assesses hydration, pain and abdomen and may use radiographs and blood tests to distinguish stasis from obstruction.

Treatment and management

Urgent treatment targets the cause and may include fluids, pain relief, assisted nutrition and motility medicines when obstruction has been excluded.

Prevention

Provide unlimited grass hay, gradual diet changes, exercise, routine dental care and daily observation of eating and droppings.

Outlook

Good when treated early and the cause is reversible; delay or obstruction can be fatal.