Archive Case #29: Rabbit Gastrointestinal Stasis

Clinical Clues

1. A pet rabbit is presented for reduced appetite and passing very few droppings.
2. The owner reports the rabbit has been quieter than usual and is refusing favourite treats.
3. On abdominal palpation the stomach and intestines feel doughy rather than acutely distended.
4. The rabbit is mildly dehydrated and shows signs of abdominal discomfort.
5. Imaging supports reduced gastrointestinal motility without a clear obstructive lesion.
6. A slowdown of rabbit gastrointestinal motility commonly leads to anorexia, scant faeces, and gut discomfort.

Diagnosis

Rabbit Gastrointestinal Stasis

This case is most consistent with Rabbit Gastrointestinal Stasis because the rabbit has anorexia, reduced faecal output, dehydration, and evidence of slowed gut motility without obstruction. The most important clues are the progressive reduction in droppings and non-obstructive imaging findings, which support stasis over acute gastrointestinal blockage.

Educational Use

Vetdle archive cases are educational veterinary games for diagnostic reasoning practice. They do not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical guidance.