Loud teeth grinding + hunched, still posture 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 loud teeth grinding combined with a hunched, still posture is a vet emergency in rabbits, the vet's exam matters most, but this combination is strongly associated with severe abdominal pain from GI stasis or bloat (the gut stopping), dental pain, or another acute painful condition. Soft gentle tooth grinding can be a sign of contentment, but loud grinding with stillness and hunching is pain. Please contact your exotic vet 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.