Rabbit emergency information
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.
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
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.
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:
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Take your rabbit’s temperature
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Contact your vet right away — or an emergency vet if your usual clinic is closed
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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.
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:
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Ask your vet to show you during a routine checkup
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Attend one of our Rabbit Tune-Up Classes
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In an emergency, watch this how-to video
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You can also read these step-by-step written instructions
Normal & Critical Temperature Ranges
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Normal: 101.5°F – 103°F
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Fever: Above 103°F
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Hypothermia (dangerous): Below 101.5°F
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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:
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Confirm they have a rabbit-savvy (exotics-trained) vet available
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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.
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.
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.
Contact us in the following order for advice and support:
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RMHRR 24-Hour Health Line: 303-668-4237
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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. These are volunteers who do their best to be available 24/7, but they also have jobs and families. Please be patient and kind.
Note:
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This service is available to everyone, but if you're not an RMHRR member and found it helpful, a donation is appreciated.
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If you need help with post-vet nursing care, you can call the Health Line.
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Some of our Bunny Sitters may also assist with medical care at home — but arrangements must be made directly with them.
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We cannot care for rabbits at our shelter.