How Do Rabbits Recover From GI Stasis?
GI Stasis is a sudden illness that can be fatal for your rabbit within 24 hours.
The only way to save your rabbit from gi stasis is to act quickly and call the vet as soon as you notice the first signs. Symptoms of gi stasis include a rabbit that hasn’t eaten or pooped for several hours.
It is a gastrointestinal disorder resulting from insufficient dietary fiber and/or chronic stress. Typically, this occurs in middle-aged and older rabbits. However, it is not exclusive to these animals, and some young rabbits can also develop this condition.
GI stasis is often the result of an inappropriate diet that contains mainly commercial pellets and starchy food. These foods are low in fiber and can disrupt the normal bacteria found in the intestines (GI flora).
The gut needs large amounts of both digestible and non-digestible fibre to maintain a healthy intestinal tract. This consists of both roughage, such as grasses and long-stemmed hay, and leafy greens. It also needs a lot of water and a good amount of exercise.
Rabbits that are not eating enough or don’t have access to fresh hay and greens are at higher risk of developing GI stasis. If you have noticed that your rabbit hasn’t been eating or pooping, you should bring them to the vet as soon as possible.
There are a few things that you can do at home to try and keep your rabbit hydrated, before taking them to the vet. Make sure they have access to a bowl of fresh water, and offer them greens that have been washed recently.
You can also try to massage your rabbit’s abdomen until you can get them to the vet. This is an effective pain reliever that can help stimulate their gastric muscles to resume peristalsis.
The most common treatment for GI stasis in rabbits is to administer a combination of pro kinetic medications to stimulate the stomach and small intestines to move the food along again. These medications include Cisapride (propulsid) and Reglan (metoclopramide).
Other treatments for GI stasis in rabbits involve hydrating them with oral fluids, as well as enzyme supplements, if your vet deems them necessary. In the end, a rabbit that has suffered from GI stasis may take days or weeks to fully recover from this condition.
Medications for gi stasis in rabbits can also be used to ease the pain associated with the distention of the intestines. NSAIDs such as Metacam and buprenorphine can be given to reduce the inflammation of the affected digestive system.
Some rabbits will actually return to a normal diet when they have recovered from gi stasis. They will eat small quantities of hay and greens, and they may even begin to poop again.
Your rabbit will likely need to have regular checkups with the veterinarian to monitor their progress and make sure they are feeling better. They will also need to receive a full physical exam and blood tests.
