Bloating in rabbits is the cause

it is believed that fur breeds, including Rex and Angora rabbits, are most susceptible to intestinal obstruction due to their beautiful and long hair, which accumulates in the stomach after ingestion. However, this does not mean that bloating in rabbits will accompany each representative of the long-haired breed, and short-haired ones are a priori free from the disease. The cause of bloating in rabbits is the initial problems with intestinal motility.

Bloating in rabbits, that is, intestinal obstruction, causes a trichobezoar (hairy ball). It is normal for rabbits to ingest wool during grooming, however in some cases the wool may combine with some of the food and form a ball. As long as it is in the stomach, usually no harm is done, but when the trichobezoar is removed from the stomach into the small intestine, in some cases a blockage may occur.

Rabbit , unlike a cat, does not know how to burp wool. This means that if the exit from the stomach to the intestines is blocked, then the liquids and gases that usually accumulate in the stomach have nowhere to go. This leads to a rapid increase in the size of the stomach, severe pain and discomfort. The expansion of the stomach can put pressure on the chest and interfere with breathing and normal blood circulation. In addition, changes in blood volume and electrolyte levels may occur. Rabbits fall into a serious condition within a few hours and require immediate help from a veterinarian. 

The veterinarian will examine, palpate the abdomen, take x-rays to assess the severity of the condition and treatment options. Blood glucose measurement is also done to confirm bowel blockage. can often help confirm a blockage. Medical treatment includes active rewarming if pain relief is severe, intravenous fluid therapy, and, in some cases, surgery. It is not necessary to independently treat a rabbit in serious condition with powerful laxatives, which can lead to the death of the animal, or give cat paste to remove hair - this is a preventive, not a therapeutic measure. 

The prognosis varies depending on the clinical condition of the rabbit and the duration of the condition. Rabbits can make a full recovery if promptly treated by a specialist. 

Prevention of bloating in rabbits

In rabbits, the main driver of normal intestinal motility is the presence of large amounts of indigestible fiber. 

A lack of this fiber, either due to improper diet or anorexia-causing conditions, leads to gastrointestinal stasis and blockage. 

Fiber stimulates colonic peristalsis, either through mass elongation or directly. High-fiber diets based on quality hay promote the production of special volatile fatty acids in the caecum that promote peristalsis. 

Insufficient intake of coarse fiber will inhibit normal GI motility. As mentioned above, when swallowing wool during grooming, rabbits do not regurgitate it.

If gastrointestinal motility is normal, ingested hairs pass out of the stomach with food at regular intervals and are eventually excreted in the feces. 

If the motility of the gastrointestinal tract is impaired, hair and food products accumulate in the stomach. Fluid is absorbed from the stomach, further compacting the contents. A compacted stomach causes discomfort, contributing to the further development of anorexia and aggravating gastrointestinal hypomotility. This can lead to a vicious cycle until the same trichobezoar is formed in the stomach.

Rabbits on a regular diet of mostly pellets without adequate addition of fresh hay are at an increased risk of developing bloating. 

The risk is even higher if rabbits are fed diets that include a mixture of dried fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, grains and pellets. 

Low-risk rabbits are those fed an unrestricted diet of high-quality, high-fiber grass or timothy hay, moderate fresh leafy greens, minimal pellets, and only occasional treats.

Long-haired rabbits are useful to comb out in molting, and all rabbits - to keep in conditions without stress, provoking fur chewing from a neighbor.