Need help with bunny’s loss of partner

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BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

This topic has 2sd replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 3 years, 11 months ago by HeatherM.

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- 03/14/2022 at 11:48 AM
  HeatherM
  Participant
  11 posts
  Hello,
  
  My 5 year old Holland Lop died very suddenly at an emergency vet last night. Last Monday he showed signs of GI Stasis and was rushed to emergency. He was treated and appeared to be on the mend. However Saturday his health declined again and he was back at the vet in the morning. He passed away Sunday night.
  
  My question is regarding his life partner (a female Lionhead). I have read that it’s important to have the surviving rabbit spend time with the deceased bunny. The vet however feels that if she is doing okay… eating, responsive, etc. that it might do more harm than good to introduce his lifeless body into the hutch, especially since some time has passed. The last thing I want to do is traumatize her. 😥 Anyone have advice about this?
- 03/14/2022 at 1:47 PM
  DanaNM
  Moderator
  9064 posts
  I’m very sorry for your loss. 🙁
  
  I think if you are able to bring the body home, it won’t hurt, and could possibly help. It is good that she’s doing OK now, but I have noticed sometimes rabbits take a little time to show their grief (or get more confused over time by their missing partner). It’s also possible she knew he was very sick and already said her goodbyes.
  
  Vets in general don’t usually know much about bonding. If it were me personally, I would place your deceased bun’s body in with her for a few hours and see how she reacts. She may lay near it, groom it, nip it, or ignore it completely. If she lays with it, wait till she leaves the body to remove it. If she notices its there but then ignores it for a few hours, you can safely remove it. I know it may seem morbid, but rabbits do not feel the same emotions we do, and it will help her understand what has happened. I’ve not heard of any cases where the bun was more upset by it.
  
  Again I’m so sorry for your loss. <3
  
  . . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.
- 03/14/2022 at 7:47 PM
  HeatherM
  Participant
  11 posts
  Thanks so much, Dana. I really appreciate your condolences and advice. It’s very helpful.
  
  We’re so concerned about doing the right thing. His death has come as such a shock. 😥
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