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My bunny is lethargic and stretched out. Is she sick or in pain?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Rabbit | Female | spayed | 4 years and 8 months old | 6 lbs

Hi! My bunny has been acting very lethargic recently and sitting in one spot in her pen. She has her own room and usually roams all through it during the day. She is laying very stretched out with her back legs kicked out. Last June she got constipated and wouldn’t move at all or eat, & sat very hunched over. She is still eating her hay and ate part of an apple this morning. Should I be concerned?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Elva Ma DVM

Answered By Elva Ma DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 3rd, 2018

Hello, and thank you for your question. Rabbits do not always show obvious signs of pain or illness; oftentimes being more quiet or eating a bit less, or pooping less are the first signs that something is wrong. It does sound like her symptoms may be related to the issue she had in June (gut stasis). Other possibilities would be pain from another area such as her teeth or an injury, or focal or systemic infection. I would recommend having her checked out by the vet within the next 12 hours if she is still acting very quiet. In the meantime, keep her hay and pellets close by to encourage eating, as well as her water, and monitor her poop output closely. If her appetite or energy are worsening over the next few hours, if she is producing very little to no poop, I would get her to the vet sooner, as gut stasis in rabbits can quickly become an emergency.

I hope this helps, and that Miss Cottontail feels better soon!
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 8th, 2018

    Anorexia in a rabbit is very concerning because rabbits have a tendency to develop gastric stasis. This is a life-threatening condition where the stomach and intestines stop moving and fill with gas. This is very painful for the rabbit.

    I would recommend taking Peggy to be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. She will likely need some medication to help her gut get moving again as well as some pain medication. You will need to start force-feeding her a herbivore critical care supplement as well.

    I hope this helps. Best of luck with Peggy. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 30th, 2019

    Hi, and thanks for your question.
    This is a a very concerning presentation. Differentials are many, from gastrointestinal diseases (infection/inflammations often dietary related) to any disease that can spread systemically (causing lethargy for example) like infection, and anything that can cause pain/discomfort.
    In these cases an immediate check up is needed to avoid fatal secondary complications.
    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!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on May 18th, 2018

    I am concerned that she may have gastric stasis, which is where the stomach isn’t contracting and the GI tract basically stalls out. I would highly encourage you to have her evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible. Rabbits can get very sick very quickly with this and it can often be fatal. It is often treated with motility medication, force feeding, fluid therapy, and sometimes antibiotics as well. Best of luck and I hope she improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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