Ahhh… Bad GI Stasis

[sesabean]

So on Friday, Bean had a little less pellets (but still some) than usual, and it continued into Saturday, however she was still pretty active and wanted to eat the wallpaper so we assumed that she was getting better herself (she does have more sensitive gut than usual). Maybe this was a mistake on my behalf, but on Sunday morning we took her to the vet after she stopped moving and eating completely. They injected her Metacam, Emeprid and Buprecare, and we got Emeprid to take home too. She doesn’t seem to be getting any better we’ve managed to get some CC into her but she still hasn’t pooped  (It could’ve been 3 days at most now!) or want to move.

Should the vet have done more like an X-Ray? Can you usually feel a blockage? I’m starting to lose h0pe and honestly regretful as I could’ve taken her to the vet earlier… I’m not even sure if she will make it through the night. Been massaging her alll day and I can feel some bubbles. When I listen I can hear SOME gurgling? Still not much but is this a good sign, her GI tract hasn’t completely stopped?? How long till she might poop again? If she doesn’t poop tonight we’re taking her to the vet tomorrow to get injected again.

How long can a bunny live without pooping? 3 days is just too long right..

[DanaNM]

It can be a long time for poops to reappear, but it is a very stressful thing to wait!

I always refer back to this article, and specifically the part about how it is important to be patient and wait for the treatments to work.

http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/ileus.html

“It is essential that the caretaker faced with a rabbit in GI stasis be patient, allowing the treatments and medications to work. Rabbits are easily stressed, and excessive handling should be avoided. 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. We know of one case in which a rabbit produced no fecal pellets for 14 days, but finally did respond to gentle, consistent administration of the above treatment regimen. Patience and persistence are key”

It’s really important to continue syringe feeding and supportive care. My vet has told me that even when a blockage is suspected, often the treatment is the same, because you aim to hydrate the mass and push it through with syringe feeding. I would keep giving her watery critical care and encourage movement. Not sure how long her injected medicines last, but pain management is also a really important part of stasis treatment, so make sure she is getting some pain meds. You might also ask your vet about fluids, sometimes sub-q fluids really help.

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[sesabean]

Thank you DanaNM!! Good news, she did one very mucusy poop last night. Only thing is, she physically is the same 12 hours later still: lethargic, not active at all. Back to the vet tomorrow for the same injections, we will be asking for an oral painkiller and subq fluids. It does make me feel better that it is a long process. Thanks for your advice and link again, very informative.

[DanaNM]

Mucusy poop is better than no poop! Mucus is somewhat common after stasis. Keep up the supportive care, hopefully she keeps improving!

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

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