My rabbit has GI pain, isn't eating, and losing weight. Is it serious?

Hello. It sounds like your rabbit may have signs of gastrointestinal stasis, which means the GI tract has slowed down, usually as a result of a rabbit that stops eating. Rabbits will stop eating for a number of reasons - their teeth may be overgrown, their tooth roots may be infected, they could also have any other systemic disease (respiratory, urinary, infection, etc). As you can see, the causes are many and its impossible to say what is the underlying cause for sure without an exam and testing (usually radiographs, blood work, etc). Regardless of the cause, GI stasis is potentially fatal if left untreated. Therefore, I would urge you to get veterinary care ASAP. In the meantime, syringe feed Hobie with a liquid hay diet, ideally Oxbow herbivore critical care if you can get some, or soak the hay pellets in warm water to make a slurry. The best thing to keep the GI tract healthy is fiber and hydration, so hay is the foundation of health. I see in the first picture a pellet mix with maybe some oats, corn, and/or seeds mixed with the pellets. This is not an appropriate diet for rabbits as they are selective feeders and usually pick out the concentrates. These pellet mixes significantly increase the incidence of dental disease and obesity. I recommend a 100% timothy hay pellet, ideally Oxbow brand. Feed 1/4 cup timothy hay pellets, free choice grass hay, and 2 cups fresh greens a day with fresh water available in a bowl and sipper.

Based on what you are describing him I would be concerned about gastric stasis in your rabbit. This can be a common condition that occurs when a bunny stops eating. The stomach will fill with a lot of gas and the rabbit will be very painful and uncomfortable. If you are able to continue giving the critical care supplement I would recommend doing that. If Pepper stops eating that, continues to seem lethargic, or stops pooping, then you will need to take him into the vet to be examined because other medications will be needed to help restore GI motility. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Jasper. Intestinal infections or parasites, metabolic disorder, inflammatory bowel disease, nutritional problems, food allergy-like conditions, are all possible. Diagnosis is difficult. Try leaving off vegetables and provide only hay for a few weeks. Additives to the pellets or treats could also be the culprit. An elimination diet is lengthy and time consuming, but probably the best strategy. Radiographs and blood work are probably recommended. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about your rabbit. A veterinary visit is recommended anytime a rabbit stops eating. Ingested foreign bodies, GI stasis, metabolic disorders (liver, kidney), infections are all possible. Yogurt and crackers are not a good food item for rabbits as they do not digest dairy or carbohydrates well, and can lead to additional GI upset. Even if obstructed, they can continue to pass feces for 1-2 days. Try syringe offering water. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Stewie. Bruxism (grinding of the teeth) can be a sign of pain in rabbits, In addition, a decreased appetite is also a sign of pain that is originating somewhere in the body. When a rabbit eats less and has a decrease in defecation, this is termed gastrointestinal stasis. Unfortunately, there are many reasons for GI stasis to occur, including infections, tooth problems, masses, arthritis, etc. Due to the many reasons that GI stasis can occur, I would recommend having Stewie evaluated by a veterinarian. With his history of intermittent diarrhea, your veterinarian will likely want to evaluate the feces, so please bring in a fresh sample, if any is produced. Your veterinarian can also perform a thorough physical examination, and then will likely recommend some diagnostic testing to determine the underlying cause of the pain and GI stasis if there is not an obvious reason found on physical examination. They can also provide you with pain medications. Please don't give Stewie any human medications at home, as many of these can be harmful to our furry friends. If you are having trouble identifying a veterinarian who is comfortable with rabbits in your area, you can visit the AEMV website for assistance. I hope this gives you a place to start, and that Stewie feels better soon.

A rabbit that is not eating normally should be considered a veterinary emergency. If the GI tract slows or stops, a dangerous buildup of bacteria and toxins could endanger Bun Bun's life. Given his age and weight loss, he needs to be seen by a veterinarian...any veterinarian. If necessary, a specialist can be contacted by phone or online by your vet. Veterinary reference labs may provide consultation services as well. For now, offer as much timothy hay as he will eat. Offer some Oxbow Critical Care for Herbivores as well. You may be able to find it in pet stores or in the local vet clinic. Keep Bun Bun warm and as stress free as possible. The link below leads to a list of veterinarians experienced in treating rabbits locate din Wisconsin. http://wisconsinhrs.org/local-vets/

These signs are quite concerning in rabbits and could be compatible with an inflammation infection of the gastrointestinal system and surrounding organs (like pancreas and liver). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is immediately essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics and possibly further investigations (like abdominal imaging as ultrasound or radiographs) may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!