Preventive Care
Gut Stasis.
Gut stasis is a very serious disease which can affect rabbits, chinchillas and guinea pigs.
If your pet has not eaten or pooped for 12 hours then you should be taking them to see a vet as soon as possible, this is an urgent condition and cannot wait for 2 or 3 days. You may also syringe feed some water carefully before the consultation.
Do not offer them junk food or snacks as this may make things worse.
Gut stasis can be caused by any problem that cause a lack of appetite, and if not treated quickly can become fatal.
Causes include stress, fast diet change, dehydration, eating too much junk food, too much sugar or carbohydrates, grooming too much fur and not eating enough fibre, as well as dental disease, liver and kidney problems.
We have seen ‘gut stasis’ after such events as owners moving house, changing the pet’s cage, changing from one type of hay or pellet to another, going to a rabbit party, having a hot-pot gathering at home, construction work taking place next door, a new pet, the loss of a bonded companion and thunderstorms!
To reduce the risk of this common and serious disease you should:
- Follow our diet advice to give high fibre, hay based diets.
- Do not give too many pellets, oats, biscuits, or junk food.
- Always have fresh water available.
- Groom your pet.
- Encourage exercise.
- Keep stress down and reduce change.
- Make all diet changes smooth and gradual.
Parasites.
Endoparasites (worms):
As for worms: some rabbits do carry pinworms, which are tiny little white worms that you may see at their bottom or on their faeces. They are only 2-3 mm long but do wriggle. They look ugly but are not dangerous. Treatment is usually not necessary but we can prescribe this on request.
Ectoparasites (parasites on the skin or hair):
Skin parasites are much more common. Some, like fleas, can easily be seen running through the fur of a rabbit or guinea pig. Others, like mange are tiny and cannot be seen.
If you think your animal is too itchy, losing too much fur or has some skin disease then please bring them in for a consultation. Catch a parasite with a piece of sticky tape if you can!
Do NOT use any dog or cat flea products on them as these can be too strong for the smaller pets and can even kill them.