How To Get Rid of Hairballs in Rabbits - Rabbit Care for Your Bunnies

Rabbits constantly groom themselves, swallowing copious amounts of fur. All that indigestible hair has to go somewhere! Gradually, the fur accumulates in the stomach and intestines as dense clumps called hairballs or trichobezoars. Although not usually harmful, these hairy masses can sometimes cause dangerous blockages. Ever wonder what these weird hairballs are? Why can’t rabbits vomit them up like cats? How can you tell if your bunny has one? What should you do? We’ll cover everything you need to know about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of hairballs in rabbits. You’ll also learn simple tips to help your long-eared friend avoid these fuzzy obstructions. Get ready for the hairy truth about rabbit hairballs!

What Are Hairballs in Rabbits (Trichobezoars)?

Hairballs in rabbits, also known as trichobezoars, are clumps of indigestible hair, fiber, and other materials that collect in the stomach and intestines of rabbits. Rabbits groom themselves regularly, ingesting large amounts of fur in the process. They are unable to vomit or cough up hairballs like cats. Instead, the fur accumulates in the gastrointestinal tract, gradually forming dense masses of tangled hair, food, and other debris.

Rabbit hairballs can range in size from small clumps to large, dense mats filling the entire stomach. As they grow, hairballs can block the intestinal tract, causing a dangerous condition called gastrointestinal stasis. This occurs when the normal muscular contractions that move food through the digestive system slow down or stop completely.

Trichobezoars are commonly found in rabbits' stomachs during necropsies. However, most pass through the digestive system without causing any problems. Certain risk factors, such as inadequate fiber, dehydration, lack of exercise, and excessive grooming can increase a rabbit's chances of developing problematic hairballs that require treatment.

Do Rabbits Cough Up Hairballs?

No, rabbits are unable to cough up or vomit hairballs like cats do. Cats have a vomiting reflex that allows them to eject hairballs and other stomach contents out of their mouths. Rabbits lack this reflex. If they try to vomit, the material will not make it past the esophagus into the mouth.

Any hair or food that travels back up the esophagus will end up right back in the stomach. The rabbit swallows it again, forcing the debris to continue passing through the digestive tract. This is why rabbits often develop very large hairballs compacted with layers of fur, since they cannot eliminate the indigestible fur they ingest while grooming.

While rabbits can't cough up hairballs, their stomachs sometimes produce louder gurgling noises when excess fur is present. You may hear louder gut sounds from a rabbit working to pass a hairball. They also may produce more fecal pellets wrapped in hair as the fur makes its way through the intestines.

Causes of Hairballs in Rabbits

There are several potential causes for trichobezoars and hairballs in rabbits:

Excessive grooming – Rabbits constantly groom themselves, licking and swallowing large amounts of their own fur. Stress, boredom, dental pain, skin irritation, and other factors can cause them to overgroom, ingesting more hair than usual.
Inadequate fiber – Fiber helps move fur through the digestive tract. Diets without enough hay or other sources of fiber allow hair to accumulate in the stomach instead of passing through.
Dehydration – Staying well-hydrated keeps the gastrointestinal tract lubricated and promotes normal motility to push hairballs through. Dehydration causes GI stasis allowing hair to clump together.
Lack of exercise – Sedentary rabbits tend to have slower intestinal motility, allowing fur to accumulate rather than passing through. Regular exercise helps stimulate normal contractions.
Molting – Rabbits ingest more fur when shedding their coat. Heavy seasonal molting can lead to excess hair consumption and hairballs.
Foreign material – Rabbits may ingest bedding, carpet fibers, threads, litter, or other non-edible materials while grooming, adding to hair buildup.
Medical conditions – Gastrointestinal disorders, dental disease, and other illnesses can contribute to trichobezoar formation by slowing GI motility.

Symptoms of Hairball in Rabbits

Signs that a rabbit may have a problematic hairball or trichobezoar include:

Loss of appetite – The hairball may partially obstruct the stomach or intestines, leading to appetite loss.
Smaller, slower fecal production – Constipation from a blockage prevents normal amounts of feces.
Lethargy – Lack of appetite and GI blockage can cause fatigue and low energy.
Hunched posture – Discomfort or pain from the obstruction may cause a hunched stance.
Distended abdomen – Large hairballs can cause the stomach area to appear swollen or distended.
Teeth grinding – This can indicate abdominal pain.
Stretching – Repeated full-body stretching can signal discomfort.
Lack of stool – Complete blockage prevents any feces from passing.
Stasis – If the intestines fully stop moving, dangerous ileus, gas buildup, and bloat can occur.
Difficulty breathing – Severe impaction presses on lungs.
Collapse – Untreated stasis can lead to fatal blood poisoning and collapse.

How To Treat Hairballs in Rabbits

If a rabbit shows symptoms of a significant hairball, take it to a rabbit-savvy veterinarian right away. Treatment options include:

Fluid therapy – Subcutaneous or intravenous fluids help hydrate the rabbit and get the GI tract moving.
Motility drugs – Medications like cisapride and metoclopramide stimulate intestinal contractions.
Laxatives – Mineral oil, lactulose, or other gentle laxatives soften feces and lubricate the intestines.
Enemas – In severe stasis, veterinarians may give therapeutic enemas to help expel feces.
Stomach massage – Light massage helps break apart and move hairballs out of the stomach.
Surgery – If a massive hairball causes complete obstruction unresponsive to other treatments, surgical removal may be necessary.
Hospitalization – Supportive care like hydration therapy, pain medication, and monitoring may require 1-3 day hospital stays.

In addition to medical intervention, adjustments at home can help the rabbit pass the hairball:

Increase hydration – Give extra water and hydrating foods like cucumber, watermelon, and fresh greens.
More exercise – Get the rabbit moving and stimulating intestinal motility.
Unlimited hay – Provide access to hay at all times to add fiber bulk.
Add moisture to pellets – Soak dry pellets in water to increase fluid intake.
Groom regularly – Brush and comb to remove loose hair before it's ingested.
Monitor appetite and stool – Track food intake and fecal output to spot worsening obstruction.

Can Rabbits Die from Hairballs?

Yes, it is possible for rabbits to die from severe intestinal blockages and stasis caused by enormous, dense hairballs. If the obstruction is significant enough to completely stop the intestines from moving food and feces through the digestive tract, dangerous complications can develop rapidly.

As the intestines become distended with gas, fluids, and food, harmful bacteria start to proliferate and produce toxins. Gas and waste buildup stretches the intestinal walls. The rabbit experiences severe pain and may go into shock. Without treatment, blood poisoning, dehydration, and critical metabolic changes can lead to death in as little as 24 hours.

However, most rabbit owners are able to get prompt veterinary treatment for GI stasis and obstruction from hairballs before it becomes fatal. But any loss of appetite, reduced fecal production, lethargy, stomach distension, or other signs of a possible hairball should never be ignored. Quick action greatly improves the chances of recovery.

Natural Hairball Remedy for Rabbits

While medical intervention is often needed for significant hairballs, there are some natural remedies that may help rabbits pass small clumps of fur:

Pineapple – The bromelain enzyme naturally present in pineapple can help break down hairball masses. Give 1-2 teaspoons of crushed fresh pineapple or unsweetened canned pineapple daily.
Papaya – Papain enzymes in papaya also help dissolve hair. Give 1-2 teaspoons of mashed ripe papaya.
Coconut oil – The fat lubricates the intestines to ease hair passage. Give 1/4-1/2 teaspoon plain coconut oil.
Marshmallow root – The mucilage soothes the GI tract. Steep 1 teaspoon of dried root to make tea.
Pumpkin – The fiber absorbs liquid to soften stools for hair passage. Give 1-2 tablespoons pureed pumpkin.
Flaxseed – Both the oil and fiber support healthy motility. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon ground flaxseed onto greens.
Massage – Gently massaging the rabbit's stomach can help break up small hairballs.
Extra hydration – Increase water intake to help lubricate the digestive tract.
Daily brushing – Removes excess hair they would otherwise ingest while grooming.

Always consult an exotic vet before giving any new food, especially for significant gastrointestinal symptoms. Monitor the rabbit's appetite and stools closely when using natural remedies. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms do not improve or worsen.

How to Prevent a Rabbit from Getting Hairballs

While some shedding and hair ingestion is inevitable in rabbits, there are ways to lower the risks of problematic hairballs developing:

Unlimited grass hay – Provide a constant supply of timothy, orchard grass, or other hays. The long-stranded fiber helps propel hair through the stomach and intestines.
Appropriate diet – Feed a balanced rabbit-appropriate diet. Avoid sudden food changes that upset the gut.
Brush regularly – Frequent gentle brushing removes loose hairs before they can be swallowed during grooming. Use a rubber grooming brush or comb.
Hydration – Make sure the rabbit always has access to clean water. Dehydration allows hair to stick together rather than passing through their system easily.
Exercise – Give the rabbit ample exercise time every day. Activity stimulates healthy intestinal motility to prevent hair buildup.
Stress reduction – Reduce any sources of stress. Overgrooming from stress causes excess hair ingestion. Make sure they have enrichment.
Dental checks – Get regular dental exams to avoid teeth issues causing overgrooming and hair swallowing. Keep teeth trimmed.
Grooming aids – Clay cat litters, grooming blocks, or digestible nibble sticks allow rabbits to ingest the material rather than their own fur while grooming.
Papaya tablets – Supplementing with papaya enzyme tablets helps break down hairballs. Ask your vet for dosage recommendations.

While not completely preventable, attentive rabbit parents can greatly minimize the chances of their rabbit developing problematic, obstructing hairballs. Be vigilant for any signs of possible GI slowdown and get prompt veterinary care when needed. With proper diet and preventative measures, rabbits can live long, happy, hairball-free lives.