Gut stasis and digestive emergencies
This hub is a fast routing page: use it to choose the most relevant rabbit emergency guide, then call a rabbit-savvy or exotic vet if your rabbit has red-flag signs.
Go now if
- Your rabbit is not eating and not passing droppings.
- There is collapse, laboured breathing, severe pain, bloat, flystrike, seizure, or inability to stand.
- You are unsure whether the symptom is mild or emergency-level.
Call today if
- Symptoms are mild but new, worsening, or combined with appetite or dropping changes.
- You need help choosing the correct emergency clinic or next safe step.
Guides in this cluster
- Not eating / no droppings: read the red flags, do-not-do list, and what to tell the vet.
- Bloat / hard belly: read the red flags, do-not-do list, and what to tell the vet.
- Soft stool / caecotrophs: read the red flags, do-not-do list, and what to tell the vet.
- Not drinking / dehydration: read the red flags, do-not-do list, and what to tell the vet.
- Moulting and hair in gut: read the red flags, do-not-do list, and what to tell the vet.
- Recovery after gut stasis: read the red flags, do-not-do list, and what to tell the vet.
What to tell the vet
- When the first sign appeared and whether it is getting worse.
- Last eating, drinking, urination, and droppings timeline.
- Current behaviour: pain, posture, breathing, balance, temperature, wounds, or discharge.
- Recent foods, medications, stress, surgery, toxins, heat exposure, or trauma.
All guides in this hub
Emergency FAQ
Can this wait until tomorrow?
Do not wait overnight if your rabbit is not eating, not passing droppings, weak, collapsed, breathing abnormally, bleeding, bloated, exposed to toxins, or rapidly worsening. Call an exotic-capable or rabbit-savvy vet while preparing to travel.
What should I tell the clinic first?
Start with the main sign, when it began, appetite, droppings, urine, breathing, posture, pain signs, recent surgery, heat exposure, trauma, and any possible toxin or medication exposure.
Should I use a product or home treatment first?
No. Products, food changes, supplements, and home care should only be discussed after a veterinarian has assessed the emergency risk. They are not substitutes for urgent veterinary care.
Source-cited guidance; pending named veterinary review.