GI Stasis?
I want to preface this by saying yes, Tortellini has been to the vet multiple times.
Still acting normal and they’ve had X‑rays, spent an entire day at the vet getting water enemas, and even had a vibrator used to stimulate the colon 😭. They also spent three days at the vet for a full barium study. No blockage was found, but both food and barium took all night to leave the stomach.
A few months ago, Tortellini was treated for pinworms.
I have a follow‑up call with the vet on Tuesday, and he wants to know if there has been any pooping.
Tort has been home for two days now. I’m doing 20–30 minute warm soaks (95–100°F) twice a day, still no poop. I’ve increased fiber, still no poop. Enclosure temps are 86–92°F. I’m fighting with the heater to keep it consistent, but humidity is good. I’m also installing a sprayer system soon.
I need to get a cement‑mixer tub into the enclosure for a better soaking setup, but I can’t dump it once it’s full as it’s too heavy. So, I’m not sure how to manage water changes yet and keep it clean. Tips appreciated.
I picked up Bene‑Bac FOS Plus but its for mammals as the reptile one was discontinued🙄, but I’m not sure how to actually get him to poop at this point. It’s too cold outside for exercise, and I’m planning to put a cat wheel in the enclosure since he loved his hamster wheel when he was little.
If anyone has experience with stubborn GI stasis in red‑foots, or tips for getting things moving while we wait for the vet call, I’d appreciate it.
Summary:
• Multiple vet visits over the past few months
• X‑rays done — no obvious obstruction
• Full day at the vet for hydration enemas + mechanical stimulation (yes, including the vibrator)
• Three‑day barium study — no blockage; food + barium moved extremely slowly but did eventually pass
• Recently treated for pinworms
• Vet follow‑up scheduled for Tuesday; they specifically asked for updates on pooping
• Current home care:• Warm soaks 20–30 min, 95–100°F
• Increased dietary fiber
• Enclosure temps 86–92°F
• Humidity stable
• Working on heater consistency + installing sprayer
• Considering a cement‑mixer tub for soaking but struggling with water‑change logistics
• Bene‑Bac on hand
• Too cold for outdoor exercise
• Planning to add a cat wheel for movement enrichment
Current issue:
Tortellini has been home for two days with no poop, despite warm soaks, fiber, heat, and hydration. Looking for advice from keepers who have dealt with severe slow‑gut or stasis in red‑foots while waiting for the vet call.