Bloated or hard belly in rabbits
What this sign can mean and when to act, from House Rabbit Society and RWAF guidance. This is general information, not a diagnosis.
This can be a rabbit emergency.
This may be a veterinary emergency. Call your exotic vet now, or go to the nearest emergency exotic vet hospital.
What it can mean
Because a bloated or hard belly is a vet emergency in rabbits, the vet's exam matters most, but it is most commonly associated with GI bloat or GI stasis (the gut slowing and filling with gas), which can cause severe pain and be life-threatening within hours. A hard distended abdomen with tooth grinding and a hunched posture are signs your rabbit is in serious distress. Please call your exotic vet or emergency clinic immediately.
Source: House Rabbit Society
Other signs to know
Keep your bunny's care in one place
BunnyChart is a free rabbit-care companion. Track weight, check food safety, log symptoms, and keep a vet-ready health record for every bunny in your home, all with the gentle why behind it.
BunnyChart provides educational information from verified rabbit-care sources. It does not replace professional veterinary care. Always confirm health-related information with your exotic vet.