How much unsweetened pumpkin for gi stasis is recommended?

Question
I read in your article regarding gi stasis that unsweetened pumpkin can be mixed into a slurry with pellets etc as a substitute for Critical Care.   Someone on my forum has asked how much canned unsweetened pumpkin are they actually supposed to use.  I always have had Critical Care on hand, so I have never used this.  Could you tell me how much is supposed to be mixed into the home-made alternative pellet slurry AND do you recommend having a bunny eat some unsweetened pumpkin al la carte?  And if so, on average how much should be given per body weight?

Thank you again for your time.


Answer
Dear Jennifer,

If you read about using canned pumpkin in an article I wrote, then it was very likely an extremely old version of my ileus article, the most recent version of which can be found here:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/ileus.html

I have never used canned pumpkin, and instead use either Critical Care or make my own pellet mush out of pellets by fluffing them in warm water and then adding more water until it's the right "pudding" consistency.

I would not overdo the force feeding.  If the GI tract is really static, then forcing more food into an already full stomach might not be the best idea.  I would give no more than 10cc at a time for a bunny of about 4-5 lbs (you can adjust the amount accordingly, but keep it on the low side), and space it far apart between tummy massages and allowing GI motility drugs to work.  Making a bloated stomach take on more load when it's already uncomfortable can sometimes just make things worse.  

The main thing is to get the GI tract moving--not to make sure it's full.  Once it's moving, the bunny will take care of keeping it full.

Hope this helps.

Dana