GI stasis

[Kimberly S.]

I have a 5 and a half year old rabbit, and we’ve been dealing with GI stasis for a week now. When we first went to the vet last week Tue, she got a metacam injection, metoclopramide injection and SQ fluids. I was given oral metacam and cisapride to give her at home, as well as critical care to syringe feed her.

She is only nibbling here and there on timothy hay and dandelion leaves. Making poops small in size and amount. Her activity level is normal though. If you saw her, you wouldn’t think she’s sick. She’s hopping all over the room like normal, doing binkies, etc.

Friday when I called my vet to give an update, he suggested to try alfalfa hay and to crush up pellets to feed her. She’s nibbling on the alfalfa hay here and there, and the crushed pellets didn’t go well. It was too difficult to syringe feed – kept getting stuck. So then I tried to put some in her mouth with my finger, which was too messy! I called my vet today with another update, and we have an appointment Wed. I have to keep doing the meds, keep syringe feeding her and trying to get her to eat. If she doesn’t eat at all or poop at all, then I have to call the vet right away.

I had a rabbit in the past who had stasis, but she was better within 1-2 days. I have not experienced a rabbit not eating and not pooping for this long. I’m not sure if there’s much more I can do/try, but any suggestions are welcome! Thank you!

[DanaNM]

GI stasis recovery can be very slow sometimes (I’ve heard it called, “like trying to jump start a train”). The fact that she’s nibbling a bit and pooping a bit is very good, so just keep up with the supportive care (syringe feeding, meds, etc) as the vet said.

I always return to this article:

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

Especially this bit:

“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.
<p align=”JUSTIFY”>Do not make more trips to the veterinarian’s office with the rabbit than absolutely necessary (the stress of travel can slow recovery), but DO contact your veterinarian frequently to report on progress and any changes. Whenever possible, administer medications at home, where the rabbit feels safe and secure.”</p>
<p align=”JUSTIFY”>And this bit:</p>
<p align=”JUSTIFY”>”Do not be alarmed if the first batch of fecal pellets is small, hard and misshapen, and even accompanied by some mucus. This is to be expected. Also do not be surprised if the rabbit produces a small bunch of pellets, nothing for a day, and then a bit more. The intestine sometimes seems to regain its function in fits and starts, rather than all at once. Consistent, gentle nursing and reduction of stress are essential at this time.</p>
<p align=”JUSTIFY”>PLEASE RESIST THE TEMPTATION TO FORCE ADDITIONAL, AGGRESSIVE TREATMENT ONCE THE RABBIT BEGINS TO RECOVER. RECOVERY FROM GI STASIS IS SOMETIMES MADDENINGLY GRADUAL.”</p>
<p align=”JUSTIFY”>It sounds like you and your vet are doing a good job with her so keep it up!</p>

. . . 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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