Gastrointestinal stasis (or G.I. stasis) can be a significant and potentially dangerous condition that occurs in some rabbits by which gut motility is severely reduced and perhaps completely stopped. Treatment should be sought immediately from the doctor focusing on exotic animals and with important rabbit knowledge. When untreated or improperly treated, G.I. stasis may be dangerous in as little as 24-hours.
G.I. stasis is the problem of food not moving through the gut as quickly as normal. The gut contents may dehydrate and small in to a hard, immobile mass (impacted gut), preventing the digestive system of the rabbit. Food in an immobile instinct could also ferment, creating significant gas accumulation and resulting gas pain for that rabbit.
The first obvious symptom of G.I. stasis may be the rabbit suddenly stops eating. Treatment generally includes sub-cutaneous fluid therapy (rehydration through injection of saline solution beneath the skin), drugs for treatment of the buildup of gas in the digestive tract, massage to promote gas expulsion and convenience, possible drugs to promote gut motility, and careful monitoring of all inputs and outputs. The rabbit's diet can also be changed as part of therapy.
Some rabbits are far more prone to G.I. stasis than others. The causes of G.I. stasis are not com-pletely understood, but common contributing factors are considered to include:
* deficiencies in fiber in the diet. Many pet rabbits do not get sufficient fresh lawn hay but are instead incorrectly given just professional alfalfa pellets originally designed for rapidly growing mass in rabbits bred for meat.
* insufficient water within the diet. New, leafy greens are a crucial part of a rabbit's diet in part for their water content, which helps stop the gut contents from becoming impacted.
* insufficient exercise. Rabbits restricted to a cage generally don't get the opportunity (or motivation) to run, leap, and play which will be critical in maintaining gut motility.
Additionally, G.I. Dig up extra resources on our favorite related paper - Click here: g spot vibrator. stasis can be brought on by the rabbit not wanting to eat for other reasons, including pressure, dental problems, or other unrelated health problems.
G.I. stasis might be misdiagnosed as cat-like 'hair balls' by vets not familiar with rabbit composition..
