Rabbit owners at Centennial might want to know the common illnesses for rabbits. One illness in the rabbit community is known as GI Stasis.

GI is short for Gastro-Intestinal stasis. Stasis is a rabbit illness that can be caused by many things. For example, stress, lack of exercise, lack of fiber and internal pain including dental problems, urinary tract infection and gas.

Stasis it is a common illness and cause death in 24 hours if they do not get the proper medical attention from a vet that specializes in exotic animals.  Rabbits are considered as exotic pets.

One student noticed one of her rabbits had this disease.  “I went outside. It wasn’t eating and its eyes looked different,” Satta Schmitt said. The rabbit did not make it.

Stasis is a similar to an equine illness known as colic.

Rabbits don’t have the ability to throw up or pass gas. This makes it more dangerous during molting season when rabbits groom themselves and swallow the fur because the fur could cause a buildup in the intestines. The stomach makes harsh rumbling sounds when there’s is a blockage.

You can tell they have stasis when they aren’t acting as they usually should. For example, they’re in a haunched loaf position or they have their stomach against the ground or their not eating or drinking. Rabbits loaf when they are relaxed.

The treatments of stasis are stomach massages, pain medication for gas pain, fluids, and critical care. The way you can prevent is giving them lots of hay and water and do your research.

Stasis is a life threatening illness. Make sure you get your rabbit to a vet right away if you suspect your animal is ill.  Rabbit vets are listed at the rabbit advocate website.

http://rabbitadvocates.org/