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LIFE-SAVING EMERGENCY INFORMATION

The information on this page — and your ability to act quickly — can save your rabbit’s life.

This page focuses primarily on GI Stasis, with an additional section on head tilt. Both conditions can become serious very quickly, so recognizing the early warning signs is critical.

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If You’re Preparing for Emergencies:

Use the information below to help you identify symptoms early and know how to respond effectively.

 

If You're in an Emergency:

Follow the steps outlined below immediately

Contact your rabbit-savvy vet right away

If your vet is closed, refer to the emergency contact list at the bottom of this page

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Time is critical in rabbit emergencies — please act fast.

WHAT IS GI STATIS?

Gastrointestinal (GI) stasis occurs when a rabbit’s digestive system slows down or stops completely. This can be triggered by stress, dehydration, pain from an illness or injury, low-fiber diets, or a blockage (such as hair or food).

 

If left untreated, GI stasis can lead to a painful death — often within hours.

 

Prompt recognition and treatment are critical to your rabbit’s survival.

Signs of GI Stasis


Watch closely for any of the following symptoms — even one may indicate a serious problem:

  • Not eating, drinking, or pooping

  • Very small or misshapen fecal pellets (sometimes stuck to the bunny)

  • Refusing favorite treats

  • Unusual lethargy or lack of movement

  • Sitting in a hunched or uncomfortable position

  • Teeth grinding (a sign of pain)
     

If you notice any of these signs, act immediately. GI stasis is a medical emergency.

What to Do If You Suspect GI Stasis

 

If your rabbit stops eating or pooping for longer than usual, it may be a sign of GI stasis.
You know your rabbit best — but 12 hours or more without food or droppings is a serious red flag.


See this article for more details on warning signs.
 

Take Immediate Action:

  1. Take your rabbit’s temperature

  2. Contact your vet right away — or an emergency vet if your usual clinic is closed

  3. Begin at-home treatment steps (see below) to stabilize your rabbit until you reach the vet


Time matters — acting quickly can save your rabbit’s life.

Identifying GI Stasis
Taking Your Rabbit's Temperature

TAKING YOUR RABBIT'S TEMPERATURE

The first thing to do if you suspect GI Stasis (or any health emergency) is to check your rabbit’s temperature.

 

Every rabbit owner should know how to do this before an emergency happens.

 

If you're unfamiliar with how to take a rabbit's temperature:

Normal & Critical Temperature Ranges

  • Normal: 101.5°F – 103°F

  • Fever: Above 103°F

  • Hypothermia (dangerous): Below 101.5°F

  • Critical: Near 106°F — risk of seizures or brain damage

 

If your rabbit’s temperature is normal, but they still haven’t eaten or pooped in 12+ hours, it’s still an emergency. Contact your vet and begin supportive care at home.

How to Respond to Abnormal Temperatures

If your rabbit has a fever:

  • Wet a towel with cold water, wring it out completely, and shake it in the air to cool

  • Wrap it loosely around the rabbit

  • Check temperature frequently

 

If your rabbit has hypothermia:

  • Use a microwavable bunny-safe warmer placed gently against your rabbit

  • Warm a bath towel in the microwave (30 seconds at a time until very warm) and wrap the rabbit
    (Note: this method doesn’t hold heat long but helps warm the whole body)

EMERGENCY VET CARE

In an emergency, always try to contact your regular rabbit-savvy vet first.
If it’s after hours, you’ll need to contact an emergency vet clinic.

 

We’ve listed some options below, but always call ahead to:

  • Confirm they have a rabbit-savvy (exotics-trained) vet available

  • Ask how much experience the vet has with rabbits and how often they see them
    Some clinics say they can “see” rabbits but may not have anyone qualified to treat them — this can be dangerous.

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Also beware of clinics that claim to have an exotics specialist on call but charge extra for that vet to only consult by phone (without seeing your rabbit). Ask clearly what “on call” means before you agree to care.

 

If a vet treats your rabbit inappropriately or misrepresents their experience, you can file a complaint with the Colorado Board of Veterinary Medicine — and please let us know, too.

7 Hills Veterinary Hospital

18325 E Girard Ave, Aurora, CO 80013, USA

Phone:

303-699-1600

Aurora

Powers Pet Emergency

5886 Tutt Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80923, USA

Phone:

719-473-0482

Colorado Springs

VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital

9770 E Alameda Ave, Denver, CO 80247, USA

Phone:

303-366-2639

Denver

Evolution Veterinary Specialists

34 Van Gordon St ste 160, Lakewood, CO 80228, USA

Phone:

720-510-7707

Lakewood

North Springs Veterinary Referral Center

10520 White Diamond Pt, Colorado Springs, CO, USA

Phone:

719-920-4431

Colorado Springs

Animal Emergency Care Center

5520 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, USA

Phone:

719-260-7141

Colorado Springs

Colorado State University Veterinary Center

300 West Drake Road, Fort Collins, CO, USA

Phone:

970-297-5000

Fort Collins

Can’t Reach a Rabbit-Savvy Vet?

 

If your rabbit is sick after hours and you can’t find an emergency vet with rabbit experience, don’t panic — help is still available.

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Contact us in the following order for advice and support:

  1. RMHRR 24-Hour Health Line: 303-668-4237

  2. Email: hersheytherabbit@gmail.com

 

If no one answers, leave a message with your phone number spoken slowly, twice. Please keep your phone line open so someone can call you back.

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These are volunteers who do their best to be available 24/7, but they also have jobs and families. Please be patient and kind.

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Note:

  • This service is available to everyone, but if you're not an RMHRR member and found it helpful, a donation is appreciated.

  • If you need help with post-vet nursing care, you can call the Health Line.

  • Some of our Bunny Sitters may also assist with medical care at home — but arrangements must be made directly with them.

  • We cannot care for rabbits at our shelter.

Contacting A Vet

Rocky Mountain House Rabbit Rescue

A 501c3 Non-Profit

EIN: 84-1459656

Erie, Colorado 80516

Please note: We are an all-volunteer organization and
do not have open shelter hours.
All visits are by appointment only.

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© 2025 by Rocky Mountain House Rabbit Rescue

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