My rabbit is lying down, not eating, and pressing his belly. What now?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Small Animal | Rabbit | Male | unneutered | 2 months and 3 days old | 1.3 lbs
My rabbit was okay till 4hours ago he was hopping around etc. But now he is lying on the ground with pressing his belly to the ground. He is always sits or lie down and doesn't eat as he always do and he just doesn't want to move around when he moves he tries to keeps his belly on the ground.I gave him a belly massage now except that what should I do? Please help!
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on January 7th, 2018
Hello. It sounds like your rabbit may have signs of gastrointestinal stasis, which means the GI tract has slowed down, usually as a result of a rabbit that stops eating. Rabbits will stop eating for a number of reasons - their teeth may be overgrown, their tooth roots may be infected, they could also have any other systemic disease (respiratory, urinary, infection, etc). As you can see, the causes are many and its impossible to say what is the underlying cause for sure without an exam and testing (usually radiographs, blood work, etc). Regardless of the cause, GI stasis is potentially fatal if left untreated. Therefore, I would urge you to get veterinary care ASAP. In the meantime, syringe feed Hobie with a liquid hay diet, ideally Oxbow herbivore critical care if you can get some, or soak the hay pellets in warm water to make a slurry. The best thing to keep the GI tract healthy is fiber and hydration, so hay is the foundation of health. I see in the first picture a pellet mix with maybe some oats, corn, and/or seeds mixed with the pellets. This is not an appropriate diet for rabbits as they are selective feeders and usually pick out the concentrates. These pellet mixes significantly increase the incidence of dental disease and obesity. I recommend a 100% timothy hay pellet, ideally Oxbow brand. Feed 1/4 cup timothy hay pellets, free choice grass hay, and 2 cups fresh greens a day with fresh water available in a bowl and sipper.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on December 14th, 2017
GI stasis is common indeed but it is not always easy to diagnose in early stages. usually with medications the condition resolves within 2-3 days, if it doesn't i would recommend taking him to your vet again. there is a very simple glucose blood test that can hints toward stasis or intestinal blockage that your vet can do as well.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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