What is Gastrointestinal Stasis (Ileus)?
Gastrointestinal stasis happens when a diet that is too low in fiber causes the bunny’s digestive system to empty slowly. The stomach becomes impacted as the contents dehydrate and compact into a hard, immobile mass and block the digestive tract of the bunny. The bunny will feel full and stop eating and drinking, setting off a domino effect. Without food and water the digestive system slows down even more, decreasing the bunny’s appetite, which makes the stomach contents more dehydrated and impacted. Stress and Gastrointestinal Stasis Digestive problems are often triggered or get worse because of stress. Stress can have a number of reasons, including systemic disease, local infection, poor diet, physical pain, change of territory, loss of a mate or separation from the owner. Causes The most common cause of digestive problems in bunnies is an inappropriate diet. Commercial alfalfa pellets were originally developed to rapidly increase mass in rabbits bred for meat, but do not provide eno
