What does GI Stasis look like in rabbits?
Rabbits with GI stasis often look bloated, pass little to no stool, and have big, gas-filled stomachs and intestines on X-rays. Blood tests often reveal evidence of dehydration and abnormal electrolyte values. There may also be changes associated with other underlying diseases (such as kidney or liver disease).
What causes a rabbit’s intestine to become static?
A rabbit’s intestine can become static for a variety of reasons, including (1) stress, (2) dehydration, (3) pain from another underlying disorder or illness (such as gas, dental problems , infections, or urinary tract disorders) (4) an intestinal blockage or, (5) insufficient dietary crude fiber.
What causes a rabbit to go into gut stasis?
The cause of the gut stasis may be from another part of the body. Common causes of gut stasis in rabbits include: Pain from dental infections, sharp spikes on the teeth, urinary tract infections or gas within the guts caused by an inadequate diet Stress from a change in environment or loss of a partner, or even something like fireworks
What to do if a rabbit has an obstruction in its stomach?
However, if the mass is not causing an acute, complete blockage, medical alternatives to surgery should be considered first. A gastrotomy–surgical opening of the stomach–may be performed to remove a gastric obstruction, but rabbits who undergo this procedure have an abysmally low survival rate.
What causes a rabbit to go into shock and die?
The rabbit may go into shock and die a few days later. Rabbits Can Die of Fright! It is possible for a rabbit to die of fright. Loud sounds, such as cats, dogs, loud music, or screaming can lead to a heart attack and put a rabbit into shock, causing sudden death.
What should I do if my rabbit has a gastrointestinal blockage?
In many instances, multiple x-rays are needed to see if the obstruction is moving. Your rabbit will also require aggressive supportive care including powerful pain medication and fluid therapy. Although medical care occasionally encourages the obstruction to pass, most rabbits require exploratory surgery.
How to diagnose and treat hair blockages in rabbits?
1 Let your rabbit out of the cage and try to get it to play with its favorite toys. 2 If you ever walk your rabbit on a harness, take it for short walks. 3 However, do not do too much too soon. Limit activity to a few minutes of exercise with rest in between.
What causes bloat and intestinal obstruction in rabbits?
In fact, gastrointestinal obstruction is the most common cause of sudden, unexpected death in otherwise healthy rabbits. Unless this condition is caught very early, the prognosis for rabbits with bloat and intestinal obstruction is guarded even with medical care.
What happens when hair gets stuck in rabbits intestines?
As rabbits groom themselves via licking, sometimes balls of hair can get stuck in their intestines. This can cause hair blockages, which are marked by symptoms like gas pain, weight loss, and lethargy. Take your rabbit to the vet for evaluation and form a treatment plan from there.
