|
Author: Hagar Lagarto
Gastrointestinal stasis (or G.I. stasis) is a serious and
potentially fatal condition that occurs in some rabbits in
which gut motility is severely reduced and possibly completely
stopped. Treatment should be sought immediately from a veterinarian
specializing in exotic animals and with significant rabbit
experience. When untreated or improperly treated, G.I. stasis
can be fatal in as little as 24 hours.
G.I. stasis is the condition of food not moving through the
gut as quickly as normal. The gut contents may dehydrate and
compact into a hard, immobile mass (impacted gut), blocking
the digestive tract of the rabbit. Food in an immobile gut
may also ferment, causing significant gas buildup and resultant
gas pain for the rabbit.
The first noticeable symptom of G.I. stasis may be that the
rabbit suddenly stops eating. Treatment frequently includes
subcutaneous fluid therapy (rehydration through injection
of saline solution under the skin), drugs for treatment of
the buildup of gas in the digestive tract, massage to promote
gas
expulsion and comfort, possible drugs to promote gut motility,
and careful monitoring of all inputs and outputs. The rabbit's
diet may also be changed as part of treatment.
Some rabbits are more prone to G.I. stasis than others. The
causes of G.I. stasis are not completely understood, but common
contributing factors are thought to include:
* a lack of fiber in the diet.
Many pet rabbits do not get sufficient fresh grass hay but
are instead mistakenly fed only commercial alfalfa pellets
originally developed for rapidly increasing mass in rabbits
bred for meat.
* insufficient moisture in
the diet. Fresh, leafy greens are a critical
part of a rabbit's diet in part because of their moisture
content, which helps prevent the gut contents from becoming
impacted.
* lack of exercise.
Rabbits confined to a cage frequently do not get the opportunity
(or motivation) to run, jump, and play which is critical in
maintaining gut motility.
In addition, G.I. stasis can be caused by the rabbit not
eating for other reasons, such as stress, dental problems,
or other unrelated health problems.
G.I. stasis is sometimes misdiagnosed as cat-like "hair
balls" by veterinarians not familiar with rabbit physiology.
About the author:
Hagar lagarto is a long time Pet lover with many articles and
websites on the subject.You can get much more info at http://pet.freehostia.com |
