Please give your thoughts about my bunnys death (sorry for length)

[RCBB]

My sweet baby bunny died this morning. He was going to be 7 in march, He was Blacky Cutie Corey, and was my love.

He had always been very healthy, and never had a problem till september. He stopped eating and started grinding his teeth, his right eye began to bulge, and my vet said it was pasteurella. We gave him meds to start his digestive system up again and stop the virus, and decided to move him inside to my room so hed be warm. He had slowly been recovering and seemed to be doing the best in november and december. He had stopped eating pellets all together and had just began to eat some about 2 weeks ago, he wouldn’t eat a lot, but a few each day. I had been feeding him alfalfa leaves and apples for treats during december till now, and potatoes in november. Sometimes for a few days he would seem down, and his tummy would gurgle a lot, but he was still strong. In mid november he started to pee red, but it was not blood. I looked on the computer and places said it was natural. Though he never stopped peeeing red. It was not food pigmentation, that is ruled out. I just don’t know why it became red and stayed so.

And amazingly just about a week and a half ago he started jumping onto my be and the couch from the floor. I thought it was great, but here about 4 or 5 days ago he had his first accident, he tried usind a small cube i had made for my alarm clock to set next to my bed(about6x6in) to jump onto the bed woth, and his front paws were hanging on the bed, one bottom foot was on the cube, and one was on the metal frame of the bed. then he fell off. Ever since that day he couldnot jump on the bed, he kept falling off it because he wouldn’t jump high enough. I didn’t think much of it, except I was worried that he might hurt himself.  I though he just wasnt jumping as hard because he was afraid to fall. And since about the past 3 days, he kept slipping on hard surfaces. like the wood floors in his cage. the day before yesterday, he was sitting on a box i made for him in his cage, and his back leg was stretched 3 inches from his body and kept going, he didnt even try to pull it back. then yesterday all of his legs slipped, and his 2 right legs went between the crack the his box made against the cage wall and the 2 left ones slipped out on their side, he had practically all 4 in opposite directions. (ill come back to this part later). And Recentyl maybe In the past 3 or 4 days it seemed he was chewind finny, instead  of the short quick nibble grind thing with his chin, he would make it a long drawn out chew, and his whole head would move up and down, instead of just his jaw moving. Again I should have known something was wrong. In the past 2 days his alfalfa had been completely gone in one day, it usually takes him 2 days to get it low. I think he pretty much stopped eating his straw. And for about a week his double chin fur would get wet when he drank water. I couldn’t figure out why, he must have been dipping his head farther in the bowl so it would be easier?  But he never stopped eating till probably yesterday evening.

But early yesterday I got him out and he tried jumpin on the bed again, 3 times. one using the cube, one without anything, and another without anything, only when he fell, he het the middle of his back on the edge of my heater (its the 6 inch high 1 yard long kind). and that scared me so bad, i immediately picked him up and put him on my bet and layed by him he was completely still and loose. He made a slight squeak/grunt a very low one. After that I held him a bot and petted him, I guess thats when I started noticing that he has going limper. the day before yesterday he started having diarreah, it was the normal shape and size, but smelled very bad and would squish easy. I didn’t think much of that, I should have though.

But yesterday It was way worse it was all he was pooping, and there was a lot. When I took him out the last time around 10 at night, he seemed very still and limp. he was closing his eyes very far like he was tired (wich he never closes them that far) and hr just sat. My mom came out and petted him and I noticed that he had pooped it left a big stain of watery brown color, that I don’t know if it soaked out of his poop on the towel, or it he was actually having liquid come out too. We fed him about 3 small potato shavings, and he seemed like he was having lots of trouble chewing, he didn’t want alot of them. And I gave him one last of his favorite, a yogurt drop. And when he heard the bag crinkle, honestly that was the last bit of spark I saw in him he bolted up almost as strongly as normal to try and grab it, but he grabbed it then sat down and went to sleepy mode again. My mom said we should put him to bed so i put a towel and straw i his cage put him in and took a shower. I came out and he was on the box I had made for him(this is when his legs were in opposite directions) so I took him off, and stapled a rag to the box so he wouldn’t slip, and I put him back on, said I loved him and goodnight, it took me an hour to fall asleep, for a bit I heard clanging but it sounded like the noise that him jumping on and off his box makes,(because its on a metal grate floor) and it clangs when he hops around. So I thought thats good, atleast hes still strong enough to be jumping.(I had become worried when I had him out at 10)

But I finally fell asleep and I awoke around 530 when I heard  a thrashing noise, I jumped out of bed and opened my hutches lid, and he was lying flat on his side kinda stretched looking, I grabbed him and put him in a towel and went for my bedand he started thrashing in my arms, not with his legs like when they want to get away from you, but his whole body like a fish. I picked him up again and got my mom then she came and we all got on my bed. he would thrash then go limp and thrash and limp, we got a pillow and put him on it and he  tried sitting up, so I out him in a rested sitting position, but ever so slowly he kept leaning to the left till  he was on his side again. We petted him and I tried resituating him and he started thrashing the worst and almost fell off the bed and out of my arms because I tried moving him back. after this I set the pillow on my lap and we petted to him and kept telling him he was ok and we loved him. I got a bit of a yogurt treat and held it to his nose, dumbe me he didlt even move, I think he was out of it. he was totally limp except for his legs, they were kinda stretched straight infront of him. His head kept tilting very far back, and his eyes looked strange. I couldn’t tell if it was frightened, shock? or like delerium because He wasnt quite here in his mind, you know. But a few times he moved his front and back legs back and forth really fast.  Then hed stop. I put my hands against the bottom of his feet just so he could feel something was there, and all of a sudden his back legs started moving back and forth with a lot of force and very fast(his legs were all the way extended, no bend in the knee) and I said whats he doing? to my mom, and she said maybe hes dreaming, then about 5 seconds after he stopped, I put my head to his heart, and it had stopped. He was gone and I cried and such.It had taken about 20-30 minutes for him to go since I got him from his hutch. After that I tried situating him in a sitting position, but none of his legs would bend. So this must have meant they were very tense.

Was that a natural death, because of old age? Like, did old age cause the diarrehea, or something else?

Well, I guess what I would like to know Is what do you think was going on?  Do you think he was in pain? Do you think he was even comprehending what was going on?  Do you think he knew that he was cared for, and those that loved him were with him when he was passing? Just please help, I just wanted him to be comfortable, and not in pain. I wan’t to know if the uncontrllable shaking was normal? And just anything, I’m so sad, it’s almost unreal, like its all a dream. I loved him so much.

 

 

R.I.P. My Dear Blacky Baby Bunny

 

 

[bunnytowne]

My personal opinion  is: A vet was needed in this situation as soon as his legs started operating strangely.

His eye swelling would sound to me like cancer or an abcess.  The leg things.  I honestly believe he broke his back or bruised it.  Also that he was in pain. When in pain they may grind their teeth. And hide it well too. By the time we realize something is wrong it is sometimes late to save them.   I dont’ mean to make you feel bad I know you feel bad especially cause he passed.  I am wondering how young you are.

I know you are really sad he passed.  Me too.  Are you a new rabbit owner? From your post seems like you had him for several years. Rabbits live about 8-12 years old. 

For future reference  bunnies hide pain really really well.  The only way we can tell is their behavior changes.  They  won’t eat or eat way less.   When they go off their food if it is still 12-24 hours later they should get to a vet ASPAP for something serious is going on.  They can die rather quickly too. 

You know  upon thinking some more what did the vet say about the lump over his eye. Hmm he said Pastuerella I just reviewed your post again.   I just looked it up.   Pastuerella is when a rabbit get snuffles and his nose runs and is crusty.   .  Is  this what was happening with him?.      And abcesses can occur with pastuerella.  

Could it have been a tumor and grew into his brain.  That has happened to a member’s rabbit.  He passed from it it was too far into his brain for the vet to be able to remove it.  I am sorry you lost him.

Tho my opinion he injured his back when he fell.  I know it is hard being underage and depending on parents to help you get the bunny to the vet and pay for it and all.   I really feel he should have gotten to a vet again  when he began losing his balance and splaying his legs.  You can have the vet do an autopsy.  S/He could tell you for sure why he passed. 

I hope you will be ok too.  I am so sorry you lost your bunny friend.  So he was black.  I think black bunnies are pretty.  How long have you had him?

[bunnytowne]

Potatoes regular potatoes are not food for rabbits.  Now sweet potatoes are ok but not regular potatoes.

For future reference there is rabbit.org  under diet  they have a list of safe and toxic foods for rabbits.  That may well be why his tummy was gurgling he has gas and probably hurted.  That could have really really upset his tummy.

[kralspace]

I am so sorry about your bunny, it is so hard to loose them.

hugs to you

[BinkyBunny]

Posted By RCBB on 01/14/2010 07:15 PM

…..Was that a natural death, because of old age? Like, did old age cause the diarrehea, or something else?

Well, I guess what I would like to know Is what do you think was going on?  Do you think he was in pain? Do you think he was even comprehending what was going on?  Do you think he knew that he was cared for, and those that loved him were with him when he was passing? Just please help, I just wanted him to be comfortable, and not in pain. I wan’t to know if the uncontrllable shaking was normal? And just anything, I’m so sad, it’s almost unreal, like its all a dream. I loved him so much.

 

I replied to your post in the Support section – I am very sorry for your loss. https://binkybunny.com/Profile/tabid/175/asuid/4213/Default.aspx

Since you are asking questions here about it, I will just say that really there is no way for us to know for sure what was going on. You can have necropsy done which may help with giving you the answers. It could have been due to injury, illness or some sort of natural decline, but really only a vet could have helped with this situation, and in the future, if you do bring another bunny in, it would be beneficial to have a regular vet and an emergency vet that you can rely on in a situation like this.

Rabbits are great at hiding illness, so even if you notice something just off, it’s good to have a vet check him out as they can decline very quickly. (I’m sorry) Like i had said in my other reply, there can be a quick “shaking or lashing” right after death, but it sounds like there may have been seizures and or possibly something else going on as it lasted about a half an hour.

But for now try to focus on that he is at peace. He had you with him at the time of his death. He wasn’t alone and now he is free from whatever was ailing him. It will take time to heal from this – we know how much losing a bunny hurts. Again I do encourage a necropsy. I normally always do one after a bunny passes because it gives me the opportunity to learn. If it was something completely unpreventable, then that can offer some peace of mind. If it is discovered that there could have been some preventative action that could have saved a bunny’s life, though that is unpleasant to hear or face, it does still give needed information for future pets, as well as you can also help others learn from the situation.

Again, I am sorry for the pain you are going through. It takes time. Binky Free Black Bunny!

[RCBB]

You know  upon thinking some more what did the vet say about the lump over his eye. Hmm he said Pastuerella I just reviewed your post again.   I just looked it up.   Pastuerella is when a rabbit get snuffles and his nose runs and is crusty.   .  Is  this what was happening with him?.      And abcesses can occur with pastuerella.  

Could it have been a tumor and grew into his brain.  That has happened to a member’s rabbit.  He passed from it it was too far into his brain for the vet to be able to remove it.  I am sorry you lost him.

 

He didn’t have snuffles, she said that all she could think of is that it was an abcess that was making his eye bulge, caused by pastuerella.  I don’t think my vet was very professional, I live in a small town and she was the only one that did rabbits. But I just wish  I knew what was going on in his head for his last 20 minutes.

 

And when he fell on my heater, that was the day before he passed, his legs were slipping before that, I think it was just because he was loosing strength, I wish I knew why.

 

I had him for almost 7 years, he was my first rabbit as I was only in 6th grade, my twin sister got one too, they were brothers, but hers passed in 2008, he just fell asleep on her lap, that why my bBlacky Bunnies death makes me worry and wonder, because her bunny had problems throughout his life, and mine didn’t.  I wish I just knew what was the most “normal” way for bunnies to go, or what is the most common. If my baby went that way, or a totally uncommon way.

[Sarita]

I don’t think there is ever any possible way to know unless your vet does a necropsy which has to be done very soon after death. And honestly, the necropsies I’ve had done on my rabbits have not always been conclusive so even then, I didn’t know.

Legs splaying can be from a number of things – this happened to my Twizzler, who I had to eventually put down, the last month of her life. She was about 8 years old as well. The vet suspected it was something neurological (not necessarily age related though) and we tried treating her for e. cunniculi – she never got better from this and she also had perpetual bladder sludge which was not making her quality of life any easier.

Honestly, there are so many variables for any rabbit to know what would be common and for your particular rabbit, you won’t ever know. If it were me and knowing I cannot know, then I would just focus on the wonderful time I had with my rabbit.

[Beka27]

I’m so sorry for your loss. It sounds like a had a good life with you and was very loved.

[bunnytowne]

You poor thing  I feel so bad for you.   Living in an area that is hard to find a good rabbit vet.  I am afraid of moving to Louisiana for that reason.  Bunnies are still considered farm animals there. 

I could see me going to a vets office or calling around asking for spneuter for bunny and the people looking at me like I just grew 2 more heads on my shoulders. 

IT is true that some animals will thrash about at and after death has occured.   I think that is neurological and they are not concious of it. 

You did your best for him and loved him a lot I can tell.

I would go with the neurological issue or with a tumor.  by the time the  lump appears it can have already spread too far to do anything but give them a good life and fortunately you were with him when he passed.

This must have been hard for you to see sweet heart.   Don’t beat up on yourself. 

[bunnytowne]

If you are going to get another bunny perhaps you can mention the state and county you life in and someone here may know of a good vet in the area or Houserabbitsociety has a list too.

 

[skunklionshow]

I’m so sorry for your loss.  I too recently lost my rabbit.  His name was Leo and he is still my avatar.  Leo is the 2nd rabbit that I have had that has died within the past 8 months.

One thing that (unfortunately) I have learned about rabbit death.  It is a VERY bad sign when your rabbit rolls onto their back or side and begins to stretch their necks out.  My vet explained that this is a rabbits natural response to get air ASAP.  It almost appears that they are stretching their necks out and up.  Often their little bodies go rigid quickly b/c they have small bodies w/ high heart rates, this will affect oxygenation and blood flow.  When they are trying to stretch up to breath their bodies may elongate.  Many of these processes happen very quickly.

Unfotunately, it will be very difficult to assess why your rabbit died unless you have a vet perform a necropsy.  As many of the members have said, it could have been a range of issues and/or a culmination of unfortunate events.  In my opinion, you need to stop asking why & wondering what you did wrong.  It’s not helpful for you and your grief.  It is often a natural process of grief to question your actions/responses, but you often end up in a cycle where you just feel worse. 

The bottome line, you provided that beautiful black bunny a wonderful and loving life.  He was incrediably lucky to know your love and share your life.  Many rabbits, or animals in general, NEVER have that opportunity to know love and share a life w/ a human.  You did everything that black bunny needed from you, please don’t beat yourself up.  I felt the exact same way w/ my Leo….so sorry.

[BinkyBunny]

Posted By RCBB on 01/15/2010 09:16 AM

  I wish I just knew what was the most “normal” way for bunnies to go, or what is the most common. If my baby went that way, or a totally uncommon way.

I am unaware of a common way to go as each one of the bunnies I lost has gone in different ways.   Bailey  went very peacefully – just gently stopped breathing in my arms as I was transporting her from the day vet office to overnight care vet.   The other experiences I had were painful to watch.   Though Rucy went peacefully before death, the few seconds of her post death reaction was scary. 

 And when my husband and I were trying to race through very busy morning rush hour traffic to get my bunny Forrest to the the vet, he died in my arms just minutes before we reached the vets office – it was painful to watch as it was definitely a pre-death experience..  (it was how Skunklion described – it was horrible to watch, especially since the vets office was only 20 minutes away, but it took us over an hour to get there in traffic)    But I was loving him and talking to him to try and comfort through the process. 

I also have heard several first-hand stories from when I was volunteering at the rescue group (they often help rabbits that may be dealing with injuries and illness when they first come in and sometimes they just don’t always make it)   Each scenario really is different.  It can be horrible, painful, heartwrenching even with the very best care OR  the passing can sometimes be peaceful and quiet.  It just depends.

I think that the moment that the thoughts begin to haunt you – that you feel worry if he were suffering or not, (I know it’s normal to create a loop in your mind as you are looking for answers that may relieve that painful worry)  that you remember that right now he is at peace and there is no suffering.  Replace the  painful loop of worry  with wonderful happy memories.

A great way to celebrate the life of a loved one (our animals included!!) is to remember how it was lived, rather than how it ended.

Peace to you.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

I’m sorry for your loss. I think as others have said there just isn’t a way to know for sure what happened or why. I would have gone to the vet as soon as the bunny fell or was losing balance-whether that would have made a difference or not -you just can’t know.
I would take comfort in that he was trying to come to you when he was ill (trying to get up on the bed) because he loved you and wanted to be with you.

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