Gastric hairballs in a colony of mature laboratory rabbits were associated with chronic, partial, or complete gastric obstruction and inanition. Clinical signs included anorexia, decreased fecal output, weight loss, and depression. The differentiation of anorexia induced by hairballs, stress, and other causes presented a diagnostic dilemma. Radiographs could not be relied upon to differentiate gastric hairballs from normal gastric contents. Combined medical and surgical management optimized successful recovery. Supportive therapy was given 12 to 24 hours before surgical removal of the hairball and was continued postoperatively for 72 hours.