Results demonstrated that rabbits with gastrointestinal obstruction and treated with a Lidocaine CRI were more likely to survive compared to rabbits not treated with lidocaine CRI.

A new article just dropped in JAVMA noting no measurable effect of 4 gastrointestinal motility drugs in healthy rabbits. With increasing debate on how we should and shouldn’t  treat rabbit gastrointestinal syndrome (RGIS), I wanted to share my current protocol and the evidence behind it.  Author - Kristen Turner, April 15 2025

This guideline has been developed to ensure the wellbeing of rabbits exhibiting signs of GI Stasis.

Published 2023

Rabbit Gastrointestinal Stasis Syndrome - published 04/06/2024

We propose to go through the standard medical management process of these cases by first discussing initial assessment and stabilization followed by diagnosis of underlying causes and finishing with treatment across various severities.

This guideline has been developed to ensure the wellbeing of rabbits exhibiting signs of gastrointestinal stasis. The main goal is to provide information on how to recognise, manage and treat cases of gastrointestinal stasis in rabbits. Additionally, this guideline aims to establish a humane endpoint where euthanasia is indicated in order to alleviate suffering when necessary and to reduce premature euthanasia of Animals

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

Pet rabbits are often presented for symptoms of anorexia and reduced fecal output, a clinical presentation that is commonly termed “Gastrointestinal (GI) Stasis”.