Both same-breed rabbits passed away in a span of 24 hours

[RabbitQ's]

Hello to whoever is reading this, 

I had four rabbits; Lulu (2 months), Mocha (1 month/ 1 1/2 months), Baobao(1 month/ 1 1/2 months) and BaoBei(1 month/ 1 1/2 months). Lulu is a Lionhead, BaoBao and BaoBei were both Netherland dwarves and Mocha’s breed is currently unknown. All of them are currently not spayed. I feed all of them Timothy hay, give them all freshwater and gave all of them one to two hand fulls of Timothy pellets. 

Since I live where it is always hot and have no AC where the rabbits are kept, I gave them a frozen water bottle wrapped up in a fleece blanket/ towel as their ‘Rabbit AC’.

Every day, if I had nothing to do, I would spend time with all of them. However, early this morning, BaoBao had passed away. Not knowing why and not having time to go to the vet we left it at that and buried him. Unfortunately, BaoBei had also passed away just a while ago. It wasn’t even 30 minutes ago that we were holding her, petting her and feeding her.

The ‘Rabbit AC’ was still cold through the fleece blanket so my mum and I had crossed out heatstroke. 

She was eating and drinking well before this so we crossed out g.i stasis. 

There was also nothing to shock her so we crossed out ‘heart-attack’. 

My mum and I had not fed them anything different than their hay and pellets.

If this has ever happened to anyone, I would like to know if there was a specific reason/factor that I had overlooked. 

Thank you for your help and for your time reading this post.

[DanaNM]

I’m so sorry for your loss, how terrible

It could have been maybe something infectious, but I would imagine there would be some symptoms, and all 4 rabbits would be at risk, so not sure about that. Also were they both pooping normally?

The other thing that comes to mind is something genetic. Were BaoBao and BaoBei sisters? It is very strange that they passed so close together, but I’m wondering if maybe they had a congenital heart problem that manifested at the same time?

They were both very very young. Most of the time it’s recommended for baby bunny to stay with their mom until at least 8 weeks, so it could have been that they didn’t have a chance to wean properly?

I really don’t know though. I lost a bunny suddenly that was only a year old and we don’t know why… it’s so heartbreaking. So sorry for your loss again.

. . . 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.  

[RabbitQ's]

Thank you for your suggestions,

I’m not too sure if they were brother and sister or not as the lady we bought her from did not say. 

Since BaoBao passed away while my mum and I were sleeping, we don’t know of any symptoms 1 to 2 hours prior. He was fine, eating and drinking lots when we saw him last. Same for BaoBei, she was eating and drinking fine without symptoms of pain or discomfort. They were both pooping regularly. From the time we got them to the night before their passing their poop had gotten bigger as they ate more.

It could be due to the quick separation from their mother… 

Thank you for replying,

It means a lot

[kurottabun]

Sorry for your loss It’s quite likely that they had some issues to begin with since they were way too young. I recommend bringing the remaining bunnies to a rabbit savvy vet to undergo a general checkup and see if they are healthy.

Make sure that the vet is rabbit savvy though. Since you mentioned that it’s always hot where you are and judging from the names of your buns, I am assuming you’re either in Malaysia or Singapore?

[Sofia]

So terribly sorry for your loss. It must feel horrible Like the others said they were definitely way too young to be separated from their mother. It could be something to do with that. Binky free Baobao and Baobei

[RabbitQ's]

Yes, I live in Malaysia. There are no proper rabbit savvy vets around my area, however, there is a general animal clinic that, I hope, will hold Mocha and Lulu with safe hands.

They are both going there today for a general checkup.

[kurottabun]

May I know which area you’re in? I may be able to help. Wanted to DM you but for the sake of future people who may stumble upon this post, I think it could be better to post here instead. You may have to travel a bit to get to a rabbit savvy vet, but I promise it will be MUCH better than going to a regular dog/cat vet.

[thetinyherd]

This doesn’t help your situation any, but I thought it was worth mentioning. A person I follow on Instagram had 4 or 5 bunnies, and she had a pair both pass suddenly within 24 hours as well. She reached out asking if anyone knew of any viruses, but her other bunnies were fine. I believe she was in the UK. She also never even had time to get them to the vet. Just thought it was worth mentioning in case anyone notices a trend happening in different areas.

[RabbitQ's]

Sabah. Thank you for your help! It’s very useful and generous of you! 

[kurottabun]

You’re welcome I found one that seems pretty good:

http://www.kinabaluvet.com/about-us/4593427071

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