Gut Stasis in the Rabbit

Gut stasis is common in the rabbit. It may frequently be referred to as “bloat”. We now consider the old condition of “hairballs” as a manifestation of a static gut rather than a blockage caused by the hair. It is rarely a primary disease and is usually secondary to other problems.

What are the causes?

In young rabbits occasional outbreaks are seen affecting the nerves to the gut. It is possible these are caused by a virus or bacterium.

It is, however, much more common to see disease in individual rabbits and this is normally secondary to other problems:

1.  Pain. Almost any source of pain may cause gut stasis. This includes dental, urinary or back problems or uterine adenocarcinoma in does. It is very common following surgery and may even occur as a sequel to adhesion formation.

2.  Gut flora alterations often following antibiosis or low-fibre diets.

3.  Low fibre diets themselves may affect gut motility due to changes in gut pH.

What signs should I look out for?

A lethargic anorexic rabbit that is not passing faecal pellets is the classic presentation. Many of these rabbits may be thin and have a swollen abdomen. However, reduced pellet size or number may also indicate a problem. Some cases of caecotroph soiling of the vent are due to reduced gut motility.

How is it diagnosed?

Although the classic case should be easily recognised, not all present like this. In many cases the distended gut may be palpated. However, radiography is often needed and is useful in any case as it is important to distinguish gut stasis from physical blockage. The latter is an emergency and surgery is required.

What treatment is available and what management changes are advisable?

It is vital to correct the underlying cause and provide analgesia.

Otherwise, fluid therapy is important and these may be administered by intra-venous or intra-osseous drip, subcutaneous or by mouth depending on the severity of the situation.

Oral cholestyramine is useful as a toxin adsorbent and to provide fluid.

Older texts suggesting use of pineapple juice to break down hairballs may be useful, but probably as a source of fluid rather than physical effects!

Support feeding using high fibre herbivore critical care diets should be started.

Probiotics should also be given.

Once it has been determined that the gut is not impacted then gut motility agents may be used. A good example of this is cisapride.

Metoclopramide may also be useful by injection or by mouth. Ranitidine may also be of value especially as some rabbits may also have gastric ulcers.

Many of these cases may be severely ill and it is important to provide appropriate supportive care. Even when the gut resumes activity, the after effects may be evident for a long period - many will be slow to gain weight. If the underlying cause is a continuous or recurrent problem then gut stasis may also recur.

Similarly it is important in the post-operative period to give fluids, analgesia and (possibly) gut motility agents in order to prevent these problems developing.