Heartbroken First-time Bun Mom

[BunMoms08]

I’m new here. My partner and I lost one of our babies last night.

Nutella (1yo) started acting strange around 7pm on Wednesday. I did our evening routine where I call them and give them their treats and then feed them dinner. Nutella came out for her treat, but then went back in one of their play boxes — this was pretty normal behavior for her; she loved hiding when eating her treats. But when I shook the pellets box, she didn’t come out. I figured she wasn’t hungry yet or was just too distracted bc we rearranged their toys. About 7:45, she still didn’t eat her pellets. So I tried feeding her oat (her favorite treat) and she didn’t take it. I tried oat hay, which was also her favorite, and she didn’t take it. We immediately called the vet and they asked us to bring her in.

When we got to the vet, the doctor said that Nutella had some gas, but it was nothing concerning. Her temperature was fine, but they wanted to keep her overnight for observation. The next day, Thursday (yesterday), the vet called us around noon and said Nutella was doing great — she pooped, was eating, and was acting like a bunny should. She was ready to go home. But, around 5pm, the vet called again and said Nutella had a slight fever and that they would like to keep her for one more day. They were not sure how or why she got the fever, but again, they did not seem overly concerned.

Around 7pm last night, we called the vet to check in and see how Nutella was doing. The doctor’s next few words almost paralyzed my partner and I. The doctor said that Nutella started dying about 5 minutes before we called. It was devastating. We immediately drove to the vet to say our goodbyes. The doctor was in as much shock as we were.

Our drive home was difficult. While we were devastated about Nutella’s sudden passing, our hears were aching for her sister, Coconut. They loved each other so much. Nutella would follow Coconut around and loved snuggling with her. It was sad seeing Coconut hopping around, seemingly looking for her sister.

We didn’t know until late last night that it would be helpful for Coconut to see Nutella’s body. Unfortunately, when I called the vet this morning, they said it was no longer an option to take Nutella home. They suggested we buy Coconut a stuffed animal for her to cuddle with. We really want to do right by Coconut. I’ve read several posts about bunnies dying within a few days after their bonded pair’s death, and I want to do anything and everything I can to avoid that. Any suggestions would be appreciated. We just want to help Coconut get through this.

[Phil]

This is so sad its amazing how quickly bunnies get suddenly I’ll, you looked after her so well its just not fair they are taken so suddenly, its such a shock when you think they are going to be ok then this happens, very sorry and quite upsetting, x

[Bam]

I’m very sorry about the loss of Nutella. Buns can go so quickly. It is heartbreaking.

The best thing for Coconut now is lots of company and attention plus a snuggle toy. She will need you extra now.

[Ellie from The Netherlands]

I’m so sorry for your loss Rabbits are very fragile and they tend to hide illness, their passing can be completely unexpected. Did the vet tell you what she had or will they search for a cause?
Wishing you and Coconut all the best for the difficult times ahead!

[Bunny House]

I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s never easy.

My lop lost her partner on Monday and she developed stasis on Wednesday from the depression. I suggest trying to spend as much time with her, doing tricks and even giving some extra healthy treats to her to try and keep her upbeat. And of course have critical care on hand if she starts to not eat as much so you can prevent stasis.

[September]

Nutella was a beautiful little lady. I am so sorry. Why a seemingly healthy bunny can decline so quickly is a question that’s asked over and over here on this forum because it happens so frequently. As it did with my Timothy. With cats and dogs there always seems to be a reason and cause behind it and mystery deaths are not that common. With rabbits, I know it must be due to their genetics, but I would like to think it’s because they are beautiful angels on earth, just lent to certain people to test the measure of their love.

Xxx

[BunMoms08]

Thank you. They are unsure as to the cause but are looking into it. They’ve offered to do a necropsy with no cost to us. I believe they want to make sure that it’s not genetic. We’re bringing Coconut for bloodwork on Thursday as well. 

[BunMoms08]

Thank you, everyone! We went to the vet last night to pick up Nutella’s carrier, and they gave us a little fur heart-shaped box to remember her by. It has been so difficult, but we try to act as normal as possible around Coconut. I’m sure she senses that there’s something wrong.

Coconut is eating, pooping, and drinking as she normally does. She still plays with her toys and eats her treats. But, there are moments when she just sits by where she usually hung out with Nutella — it’s really sad. We got her a stuffed animal, but so far she’s been ignoring it. She did smell it last night, but she tries to stay away from it. Any tips on how we can better introduce or at least make the stuffed animal more attractive to her?

Her vet also suggested finding a companion for her immediately — to use her grieving period to bond her with another bunny. We’re looking into that now. Does anyone know how long this process usually takes (i.e., contacting rescue agencies, meet & greet, and adoption)? We’ve also read it would be important for Coconut to pick her new companion. Any suggestions on how we could ensure that?

Thanks again for all your support and kind words.

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