Rabbit Health
Rabbit Gut Stasis (Ileus) UK — Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Published Last updated 2 min read
Quick answer
Gut stasis (ileus) is when a rabbit's digestive system slows or stops — a common UK emergency. Signs include not eating, no droppings, a painful hunched posture and bloating. Contact your vet immediately; home waiting often allows the condition to worsen.
How gut stasis develops
The rabbit gut must keep moving fibre continuously. Triggers include:
- Sudden diet change or insufficient hay
- Dental pain preventing chewing
- Stress from noise, travel or predators nearby
- Post-operative pain
- Underlying infection or disease
Gas builds in the static gut, causing severe pain that further suppresses eating.
Emergency signs
| Sign | Action |
|---|---|
| No droppings for 12+ hours | Call vet today |
| Not eating hay | Emergency |
| Hunched, grinding teeth | Emergency |
| Bloated, hard abdomen | Emergency |
Veterinary treatment
Your vet may:
- Administer strong pain relief
- Prescribe gut motility drugs (only under vet supervision)
- Provide subcutaneous or intravenous fluids
- Syringe-feed critical care formula
- Investigate dental disease or other causes
Never give human gut medicines or antibiotics left over from other pets.
Recovery and prevention
After an episode, follow your vet's feeding plan strictly. Long-term prevention centres on hay-first nutrition, stress-free housing, bonded companionship and regular health checks including teeth.
UK rabbits also need annual myxomatosis and RVHD vaccination — unrelated to gut stasis but essential welfare.
Sources & further reading
Facts in this guide are rewritten in plain English from publicly available UK advice. We name the organisation where a specific point comes from their guidance. Links below go to the original pages — use them to read the source material directly.
PETHEALTH+ is independent. These organisations do not sponsor, approve, or partner with this website. Guidance checked against sources listed below (last updated 2026-06-25).
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is gut stasis in rabbits?
- Gut stasis (ileus) is when normal gut contractions slow or stop, causing gas buildup, pain and loss of appetite. It is a medical emergency requiring prompt vet treatment.
- Can gut stasis kill a rabbit?
- Yes. Untreated gut stasis can be fatal within 24–48 hours. Early vet intervention significantly improves outcomes.
- How is gut stasis treated?
- Vets use pain relief, gut motility medication, fluids and sometimes syringe feeding. Underlying causes such as dental disease must be treated.
- How do I prevent gut stasis?
- Unlimited hay, limited pellets, stress reduction, companionship, dental checks and prompt vet care at the first sign of reduced eating or droppings.