What is gut stasis in rabbits?

Gut stasis (ileus) is when normal gut contractions slow or stop. Gas builds, pain rises, and appetite falls — a cycle that can become fatal within a day or two without treatment. It is one of the most common rabbit emergencies in the UK.

Can gut stasis kill a rabbit?

Yes. Untreated stasis can be fatal, often discussed in a 24–48 hour window, which is why UK welfare bodies treat reduced eating and droppings as urgent. Early vet care — pain relief, fluids, motility drugs — improves the odds. Home waiting is the risk.

How is gut stasis treated?

Vets typically use pain relief, gut motility medication, fluids and critical-care syringe feeding under their direction. They also look for the cause: dental spurs, gas, obstruction, post-operative pain or systemic disease. Do not copy a previous rabbit's leftover drugs.

A–Z topic · G

Gut stasis in rabbits

Quick answer

**Gut stasis (ileus)** is when a rabbit's digestive system slows or stops — a common UK emergency. Signs include not eating hay, no droppings, a hunched posture and a bloated belly. Contact a vet **today**; do not wait overnight and do not start internet syringe-feeding on your own. Information only, not a diagnosis.

Key takeaways

Gut stasis (ileus) is when a rabbit's gut slows or stops — treat not eating or no droppings as an emergency, not a wait-until-morning problem.
Do not syringe-feed, give human gut medicines, or leftover antibiotics unless a vet has just told you to.
Prevention is hay-first nutrition, pain and dental checks, bonded housing, and vaccinations — stasis still needs a vet when it happens.

The full guide

Causes, symptoms, treatment options and when to call your vet — in the complete plain-English guide.

Read: Rabbit Gut Stasis (Ileus) UK Check symptoms

Frequently Asked Questions

What is gut stasis in rabbits?: Gut stasis (ileus) is when normal gut contractions slow or stop. Gas builds, pain rises, and appetite falls — a cycle that can become fatal within a day or two without treatment. It is one of the most common rabbit emergencies in the UK.
Can gut stasis kill a rabbit?: Yes. Untreated stasis can be fatal, often discussed in a 24–48 hour window, which is why UK welfare bodies treat reduced eating and droppings as urgent. Early vet care — pain relief, fluids, motility drugs — improves the odds. Home waiting is the risk.
How is gut stasis treated?: Vets typically use pain relief, gut motility medication, fluids and critical-care syringe feeding under their direction. They also look for the cause: dental spurs, gas, obstruction, post-operative pain or systemic disease. Do not copy a previous rabbit's leftover drugs.