Gastrointestinal stasis and obstructive Ileus in the rabbit
Abstract
Rabbits have a highly specialized digestive tract and consequently they develop different digestive problems to those seen in cats and dogs. Diet, stress and pain can all play a role in the development of gastrointestinal stasis, a disease characterized by reduced motility of the digestive tract. Early signs are often missed by clients and at the time of presentation many rabbits are depressed, anorexic and are developing hepatic lipidosis.
Obstructive Ileus can occur following ingestion of foreign objects and can be difficult to distinguish from gastrointestinal stasis. History, clinical examination and radiography can all be used to distinguish these conditions. An accurate diagnosis ensures the rabbit receives the correct treatment. Prokinetics and assisted feeding while essential in the management of gut stasis are contraindicated in cases of obstructive ileus until an exploratory laparotomy has been performed.
Nursing rabbits with these conditions can be time consuming but plays a very important role in their recovery. Good supportive care consisting of fluid therapy, syringe feeding and reducing stress during hospitalization is essential alongside treatment.
Digestive conditions commonly seen in pet rabbits are different to those seen in cats and dogs. Gastrointestinal (GI) stasis is frequently encountered in pet rabbits and may be seen alone or secondary to other conditions. Rabbits suffering from any painful condition may develop GI stasis. Failure to provide supportive care during periods of anorexia can result in rapid deterioration and death, so intensive nursing of these patients is important. Good nursing practice is also essential for rabbits that are hospitalized primarily for non-digestive conditions. Routine veterinary procedures such as neutering can induce periods of anorexia leading to GI stasis. Supportive care to minimize stress and maintain food intake is essential for all hospitalized rabbits not just those initially presenting with GI stasis.
Wild rabbits eat a high fibre, low energy diet of grasses and other plants. Fibre is composed of cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin, which cannot be digested by mammalian enzymes. Fermentation by microbes (bacteria, yeasts and protozoa) within the digestive tract enables rabbits to break down digestible fibre as a source of energy. This process requires a specialized digestive tract (Figure 1).
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