GI Stasis in Rabbits: Why Your Rabbit Stopped Eating or Pooping (Emergency)

Emergency: if your rabbit stops eating, or passes few or no droppings, contact a vet immediately. Gut stasis can be fatal if it isn't treated quickly, and no home remedy is a safe substitute for veterinary care [1][2].

A rabbit's gut is built to keep moving on a near-constant supply of high-fibre food. When that movement slows down or stops, it's called GI stasis, and it's one of the most urgent health problems in pet rabbits [1][2].

What is GI stasis in rabbits?

GI stasis is also called gut stasis or ileus [1].

• Food moves through the gut much more slowly, or stops [1][2].
• Unhealthy bacteria overgrow and make gas and toxins, which cause bloating and pain [1][2].
• The pain lowers the rabbit's appetite even more, so the problem keeps feeding itself [1][2].

It isn't an infection, and it doesn't spread between rabbits [1][2].

Why has my rabbit stopped eating or pooping?

Many things can slow a rabbit's gut [1][2]:

• A low-fibre diet with too little hay [1].
• Dental disease, because mouth pain makes eating hard [1][2].
• Stress, such as a house move, loud noise or a new animal at home [1][2].
• A sudden change of food [1][2].
• Another illness, such as a stomach ulcer, urine infection or respiratory infection [2].

Boredom and dirty housing have also been named as contributing factors [1].

How fast does it become dangerous?

Quickly. PDSA notes that a rabbit going more than 6 hours without eating can itself lead to gut stasis [2]. Waiting risks serious complications, including a gut blockage, dehydration and liver disease [2]. This is never a "wait and see" problem.

What signs mean "see a vet"?

Contact a vet immediately if your rabbit:

• Isn't eating, or leaves its food untouched for more than a few hours [1][2].
• Passes fewer droppings, or none. Merck advises contacting a vet straight away if there are no droppings for more than 12 hours [1].
• Has a bloated or painful belly, or grinds its teeth, which is a sign of pain [1][2].
• Is quiet, hides, loses weight, drools or has a wet chin [1][2].
• Has a wet or dirty bottom [2].

Does hay prevent GI stasis?

Hay is the foundation. Unlimited hay keeps the gut moving, and a high-fibre diet is central to healthy rabbit digestion [1][2]. Other habits that help:

• Change food gradually, over about 2 weeks, never suddenly [2].
• Keep a calm home and a steady routine [1][2].
• Brush your rabbit regularly, so it swallows less loose hair while grooming [1].
• Keep a healthy weight, and offer safe chew toys and daily time out of the cage [1].
• Keep the housing clean [1].
• Have dental problems checked early, since mouth pain reduces eating [1][2].

FAQ

Is GI stasis in rabbits an emergency?

Yes. PDSA describes gut stasis as an emergency that can be fatal if it isn't treated quickly [2].

Can I treat gut stasis at home?

No. No home remedy is a safe substitute for veterinary care. Contact a licensed vet immediately [2].

Can stress stop a rabbit's gut?

Yes. Stress from changes at home, loud noise or new animals is one of the named triggers [1][2].

Is GI stasis contagious?

No. It's a digestive problem, not an infection, so it doesn't pass between rabbits [1][2].