How long does it take for a rabbit to recover from stasis?
It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for your rabbit to recover from GI stasis. Thanks! Keeping your rabbit at a healthy weight can also prevent GI stasis. Thanks! If you have a female rabbit, the surgery to spay her (ovariohysterectomy) may cause adhesions between her uterus and GI tract, which can slow down gut motility. Thanks!
How to treat GI stasis in rabbits?
1 Feed your rabbit a high-fiber diet. As you can see, treating GI stasis in rabbits is intensive and extensive. 2 Increase your rabbit’s water intake. In addition to fiber, water is essential to keeping food moving smoothly your rabbit’s GI tract. 3 Decrease your rabbit’s stress. ... 4 Take your rabbit to your veterinarian regularly. ...
Can I give my Rabbit Metacam for stasis?
Metacam is a great general pain reliever, but you need to have a prescription. Ask your vet if you can have some for emergency pain relief. It’s always advisable to get your rabbit to a vet. Go ahead and treat your rabbit to tide them over, but your rabbit needs to see a professional. The House Rabbit Society have a great article on GI stasis.
How do you fix a static intestine in a rabbit?
An intestinal motility agent, such as cisapride (Propulsid) or metoclopramide (Reglan) will help get a static intestine moving again. Both of the aforementioned drugs are safe and effective for rabbits. Cisapride, a more recently developed drug, has fewer potential nervous system side effects with long term use than Reglan.
How long does rabbit GI Stasis last?
Treatment of GI stasis varies depending on severity and underlying causes. Recovery is often slow and may take several days to weeks. Fluid therapy — Many affected rabbits are dehydrated or suffering from electrolyte imbalances. Simethicone — This medication helps to reduce the amount of gas in the digestive tract.
How long does it take a rabbit to poop after GI stasis?
It may take several days before any fecal pellets are seen, and it may take two weeks or more of motility therapy before the intestine is moving normally again.
How long does it take for a rabbit to start eating after stasis?
Steps to Correcting GI Stasis in Rabbits. When you notice that your rabbit's not pooping or eating,, begin keeping a close eye on her. If she doesn't eliminate or eat within 6-12 hours, there is likely a problem. Remove feed pellets from the hutch.
Will my rabbit survive GI stasis?
With these treatments, time, and patience, a rabbit suffering from GI stasis can make a full recovery. But it is important to recognize the symptoms early and take your rabbit to a rabbit-savvy vet immediately for these treatments.
How do you get a rabbit out of GI stasis?
How will my veterinarian treat GI stasis?fluid therapy for rehydration.nutritional support (syringe feeding if not eating)antibiotic(s) (if there is an underlying bacterial infection)motility modifying drugs to enhance movement of food through the stomach and intestines.pain relievers.anti-inflammatory medications.
Do rabbits with GI Stasis drink?
Rabbits do not deal well with pain and will sometimes give up and die. The gases caused by stasis can cause a lot of abdominal pain. Sometimes simply relieving the pain will encourage them to begin eating/drinking and becoming more active.
How can I stimulate my rabbits appetite?
You can also take simple steps to promote a healthy appetite in your rabbit. Make sure you provide unlimited grass hays (not alfalfa), leafy greens, and fresh drinking water in a bowl. Your rabbit also needs a stable environment that's free of fluctuating temperatures and stressors.
How much water should I force feed my rabbit?
You should only feed small amounts, 2-4 ml at a time and then allow your rabbit to rest (remove the syringe). Your rabbit should show signs of chewing and swallowing. This process can then be repeated until you have fed 5-10 ml.
How do you massage a rabbit's stomach?
1:093:15How to Help a Rabbit with Gas Pain | Pet Rabbits - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhen you do this and belly massage involves very gentle pressure under the rabbits tummy. Like. ThisMoreWhen you do this and belly massage involves very gentle pressure under the rabbits tummy. Like. This I'm just going to put my hands here in here and I'm going to kind of manipulate.
When should I give my rabbit critical care?
Ideally rabbits should be fed Critical Care(TM) every 3 to 4 hours. If this causes the animal too much stress, limit the feed to 3 times daily.
How long can a rabbit go without pooping?
Most rabbits will not survive longer than 48 hours with a digestive blockage. Your rabbit will be treated through massage, laxatives, and if necessary, an enema. Another common reason for constipation in rabbits is stress.
How to treat GI stasis in rabbits?
The best cure for GI stasis is prevention. Be sure your rabbit companion gets plenty of dietary fiber from fresh grass hay. Feed high fiber (22% or higher crude fiber) pellets. Be sure your rabbit is drinking sufficient water to keep ingested food hydrated and moving smoothly. It helps to offer at least 4 cups of fresh, wet leafy greens per 5 lbs. of rabbit daily. And don’t forget that regular exercise not only keeps the skeletal muscles strong: it also keeps the smooth muscles of the intestines well-toned and active.
How long does it take for a rabbit to die from a fecal syringe?
If your rabbit stops eating or producing feces for 12 hours or more , you should consider the condition an EMERGENCY.
What is the best medicine for rabbits?
An intestinal motility agent, such as cisapride (Propulsid) or metoclopramide (Reglan) will help get a static intestine moving again. Both of the aforementioned drugs are safe and effective for rabbits. Cisapride, a more recently developed drug, has fewer potential nervous system side effects with long term use than Reglan. We have used it long term (for several weeks at a time) without apparent adverse side effects. However, as with any drug, your veterinarian should be aware of any potential drug interactions between cisapride/metaclopramide and any other medications your rabbit may be taking. For example, narcotic painkillers should never be given with Reglan due to the potential for dangerous interaction between the two.
How to help a bunny with a lazy gut?
One of the single most effective ways to stimulate a lazy gut into action is with gentle massage. Place the bunny on a secure countertop on a towel (or in your lap, if the bunny feels secure there), making sure he can’t jump down and hurt himself. With your hands and fingertips, gently massage the abdomen. Knead as deeply as the bunny will allow, but back off immediately if he expresses pain. We have found that gently lifting the rabbit’s hindquarters a few inches (with the bunny’s head safely tucked into the massager’s elbow, and the spine firmly supported) helps gas to pass more easily, and seems to be comforting to the bunny. Once s/he gets over the initial surprise of being held this way, a rabbit will often allow his/her legs to droop in comfort and relief as the massage helps gas pockets move towards the exit.
How to save a rabbit from hypothermia?
Pack the rabbit with warm water bottles wrapped in towels and get him to your rabbit-savvy veterinarian immediately. Medications often will not be effective when given to a rabbit suffering from hypothermia, so the first step in saving your bunny’s life is to get his body temperature back into normal range.
What is the runny stool of a rabbit?
The runny stool sometimes misidentified as “diarrhea” in rabbits is more often composed of unformed, almost-liquid cecotropes. Rabbits produce two types of pellets: fecal pellets (left in the litterbox) and cecotropes (soft, pungent, normally shaped like a cluster of grapes and reingested by the rabbit to obtain essential nutrients).
What to feed a rabbit that won't eat?
Kale is a good choice. If the rabbit refuses to eat, try fragrant, fresh herbs such as mint, basil, dill, cilantro, tarragon, sage, fennel, parsley and others.
How long does it take for a rabbit to recover from GI stasis?
Treatment of GI stasis varies depending on severity and underlying causes. Recovery is often slow and may take several days to weeks. Fluid therapy — Many affected rabbits are dehydrated or suffering from electrolyte imbalances.
How to treat GI stasis in rabbits?
Treatment for Gastrointestinal (GI) Stasis 1 Fluid therapy — Many affected rabbits are dehydrated or suffering from electrolyte imbalances. 2 Simethicone — This medication helps to reduce the amount of gas in the digestive tract. 3 GI motility drugs — These drugs can help stimulate the digestive tract to begin working properly again. 4 Pain relief — This is important to relieve discomfort associated with GI stasis and distention. 5 Hand feeding — Many rabbits with this condition have decreased or no appetite. It is often necessary to hand or force-feed liquid hay products (Critical Care, Oxbow Pet Products) with a syringe. 6 Hay — Rabbits that will eat on their own must be encouraged to eat grass hay. 7 Treatment of other underlying medical problems — If examination and testing reveal additional problems, these must be treated as well.
Why does my GI stasis occur?
There are many causes of GI stasis including stress, dehydration and anorexia from other underlying medical conditions or gastrointestinal blockage. A common cause is a lack of crude fiber in the diet, specifically, hay. Hay is essential for normal gastrointestinal function.
Can rabbits eat hay?
Hand feeding — Many rabbits with this condition have decreased or no appetite. It is often necessary to hand or force-feed liquid hay products (Critical Care, Oxbow Pet Products) with a syringe. Hay — Rabbits that will eat on their own must be encouraged to eat grass hay.
Is hay good for rabbits?
Hay also provides the best environment for growth of the beneficial bacteria growing in the rabbit's digestive tract.
Can rabbits have GI stasis?
Rabbits with GI stasis can quickly become lethargic and may exhibit signs of pain such as teeth grinding and a hunched posture. They may also begin to produce excessive gas and sometimes soft stool or diarrhea. If this is left untreated, severe cases of GI stasis can be fatal.
How to treat a rabbit's GI stasis?
Relieve your rabbit’s pain. Intensive care by your veterinarian is required to treat your rabbit’s GI stasis. Your rabbit’s treatment plan will have many parts, one of which is pain relief. When his intestines fill with gas, this can stretch the walls of gut and cause intense pain.
What is GI stasis in rabbits?
GI stasis is a very serious medical condition in rabbits and requires immediate veterinary care. To continue taking good care of your rabbit, learn how to recognize GI stasis, how it's treated, and what you can do to prevent it from happening again.
How does a rabbit's mood change?
Even if he tries to hide it at first, his mood will start to change as GI stasis takes its toll. For example, your rabbit will become depressed. He will also become lethargic.
Why does my rabbit have GI problems?
It has several causes (e.g., dental disease, stress, pain from an underlying illness) and stops your rabbit’s normal GI motility.
What to feed an anorexic rabbit?
Since alfalfa hay can cause bloating, your veterinarian will instead feed your rabbit some type of grass hay (e.g., timothy, oat, brome). Fresh herbs can stimulate an anorexic rabbit to eat.
Can a vet check a rabbit's molars?
For example, your veterinarian can check your rabbit’s incisors and molars to see if their growth is affecting your rabbit’s ability to chew his food. Regular veterinary visits may be costly, but may actually be inexpensive compared to the cost of treating GI stasis. Expert Q&A.
Do rabbits hide their pain?
Since rabbits are prey animals, they tend to hide their pain to avoid looking vulnerable to a predator. Your own rabbit may do the same. Fortunately, one of the most recognizable symptoms of GI stasis is a decrease or complete stop of feces production.
Symptoms
Prevention
Effects
- An intestinal slowdown can cause ingested hair and food to lodge anywhere along the GI tract, creating a potential blockage. Also, because the cecum is not emptying quickly enough, harmful bacteria such as Clostridium species (related to the ones that cause botulism and tetanus) can proliferate, their numbers overwhelming those of the normal, beneficial bacteria and fungi in the …
Diagnosis
- Sometimes, a rabbit suffering from GI stasis is diagnosed as having a hairball. In reality, an apparent hairball usually is a result of GI stasisnot the cause. A vet who has not palpated many rabbit abdomens may be unfamiliar with the normal, sometimes doughy feel of the healthy rabbit stomach. A doughy stomach is usually cause for concern only when accompanied by an empty l…
Treatment
- If a true intestinal obstruction (almost always accompanied by severe bloating and acute pain) is present, the use of intestinal motility drugs (described later) could make the situation worse by pushing the blockage into a narrow area where it completely obstructs the intestine. However, if the mass is not causing an acute, complete blockage, medical alternatives to surgery should be …
Use
- Simethicone (in liquid, pediatric suspension or tablets) is essential for the relief of gas pain which usually accompanies ileus. For relief of acute gas pain, 1-2 cc (20mg/ml suspension) can be given as often as every hour for three doses, then 1 cc every three to eight hours. This substance has no known drug interactions, is not absorbed through ...
Safety
- Of utmost importance is careful monitoring of body temperature via (plastic, unbreakable) rectal thermometer. Normal rabbit body temperature ranges from about 101o 103o F. A higher temperature may indicate either stress or an infection, the latter requiring immediate veterinary attention. A temperature lower than 101oF is of even greater concern than a mildly elevated tem…
Preparation
- Before you attempt to perform an enema on your rabbit, please ask your veterinarian to instruct you in this process during a regular office visit. Dont wait for an emergency to learn how to do this. If you cannot reach your vet when your bunny is in stasis, you will be out of luck! However, if you do not have ready access to Critical Care, one quick and easy recipe is to soak about 2 3 tab…
Administration
- We administer the enema with a pediatric rubber ear bulb/syringe. A 5 lb rabbit can safely be given 10-15 ccs of liquid enema. Mix the water and oil well. Place the bunny on her back, well supported so she doesnt kick. Gently insert the lubricated tip of the syringe into the anus, no deeper than 1/2 3/4 inch. (Note: if youre not sure which orifice is the right one, the anus is the one that winks bac…
Function
- An enema delivers liquid to the source. It can help hydrate hardened, dehydrated fecal matter in the lower GI, even when subcutaneously administered fluids dont seem to help. The very presence of the warm liquid also seems to stimulate the muscles of the lower GI tract.
Diet
- Fluids (normal fluid intake for a healthy mammal is approximately 90 100cc per kgor about an ounce per poundof body weight per day) are essential for hydrating intestinal contents that may have formed a hard mass and be nearly impossible to pass. Water is best, but unsweetened Pedialyte, an electrolyte drink designed for human infants (and available in the infant section of t…
Other
- Probiotic pastes such as Benebac are available at feed stores, and also might be helpful. Products designed for horses are generally safe and possibly effective for rabbits.
Controversy
- Some veterinarians believe that cecotropes from a healthy rabbit, although difficult to obtain, can be used to re-establish normal cecal flora in a compromised rabbit. However, other veterinarians and experienced rabbit caretakers are of the opinion that administering cecotropes to a sick rabbit may do more harm than good for two reasons: (1) force feeding cecotropes is very stress…