Your 3-year-old Holland Lop, Thumper, hasn't eaten in 24 hours. No fecal pellets in the cage. He's hunched, quiet, and grinding his teeth. You offered his favorite greens—nothing. Rabbits need to eat constantly. What's wrong?
Warning: GI stasis in rabbits is life-threatening. Rabbits cannot vomit; their GI tract must keep moving. Anorexia for 12–24 hours leads to hepatic lipidosis and death. Seek exotic-savvy veterinary care immediately.
Rabbits are hindgut fermenters. Peristalsis depends on constant fiber intake. Stress, pain, or diet change can stop motility. The Exotic & Avian Specialist explains: Anorexia + no pellets = GI stasis. Emergency. Fluids, prokinetics, pain control, syringe feeding. The Vital Signs Reference provides rabbit normal values—HR 130–325 bpm, temp 38.5–40°C.
IV or SQ fluids, prokinetics (metoclopramide, cisapride), pain management (meloxicam, opioids), syringe feeding (Critical Care), warmth. Underlying causes (dental disease, obstruction, stress) must be addressed. The General Vet AI can discuss differentials. Prognosis depends on early intervention.
Use Exotic & Avian Specialist and Vital Signs Reference. Find an exotic-savvy vet—not all clinics treat rabbits.
- Anorexia + no pellets = GI stasis—emergency.
- Rabbits must eat constantly—12–24 hr anorexia is critical.
- Prokinetics, fluids, syringe feeding—treatment is supportive.
- Find exotic-savvy vet—rabbit medicine differs from dogs/cats.
- Stress and pain are common triggers—address underlying cause.