Rabbit dental and gastric issues

Rabbits’ teeth never stop growing so they need a constant supply of good-quality hay to wear them down. Incorrect wearing down of teeth may result in spurs forming, which can lead to lesions on the tongue and cause issues with eating caused by pain.

Hay also keeps their gut moving. The rabbit digestive system is complex, and they need a large amount of fibre to maintain healthy gut movements. Rabbits cannot be sick (vomit), so everything needs to keep moving along in the right direction to avoid any problems from developing.

Rabbits are prone to a digestive condition known as ‘gut stasis’. This is when the rabbit stops eating or eats less than normal. Reduced gut functions can result in a bacterial build up causing bloat.

Gut stasis can be caused by a low-fibre diet, stress, or pain from an underlying illness. It is a condition that can be treated if caught early, however it can take hold and become fatal very quickly.

Signs your rabbit may be suffering from dental or gastric issues

• Reduced or loss of appetite.
• Fewer or no faecal pellets being produced.
• Bloating and gas in the stomach and intestines.
• Lethargy and depression.
• Pain and discomfort, which can present itself as the rabbit sitting in a hunched position.
• Soft stool or diarrhoea.

What you can do to prevent dental and gastric issues

• Give a healthy, fibre rich diet – hay is so important!
• Try to keep stress levels to a minimum.
• Give them enough space to run around to help their gut motility.
• Rabbits need regular health check-ups with a vet. Between routine visits, if your rabbit is showing signs of discomfort or you suspect there may be something wrong, you should schedule an urgent appointment.
• Keep you rabbit hydrated! This is not just important to help prevent gut stasis but for general husbandry and overall wellbeing.

Keeping stress levels to a minimum

• Keep your rabbit cool in the summer with some frozen enrichment, frozen water bottles, etc.
• Keep your rabbit warm in the winter with heat pads and extra bedding.
• Keep them away from loud noises that could scare them, for example fireworks. If you can, bring them inside where you are able to block out sounds with a radio or other background noise.
• Keep them away from predators – it is very important that the feel safe where they live!

Here is a handy guide to rabbit nutrition