Rabbit ear infection

[Anastasia]

My 4 year old rabbit has unfortunately passed away this morning and I am absolutely heart broken. 

I had noticed that she was being distant and not eating so I took her to the vet yesterday morning. I was expecting to buy some medication and take her home however to my surprise the vet told me that she had an ear infection and as a result GI stasis and a high temperature so she had to stay for three nights. She is updated with her vaccinations so she did not have a calici virus Unfortunately, she passed away that night at the vet (she was on a drip and medicated, so fortunately was not in pain)

Has someone experienced something similar? I am in absolute shock. She was happy and normal just a couple of days ago, and she had the infection for only over a day. Some sort of explanation will help with my closure, so if anyone has any information it will be great help.

I also think my other rabbit knows as she is hiding (but still eating and drinking) and acting sad. How do I help her mourn properly? She has grown up really close to my deceased rabbit and I know she will eventually need a new friend

Sorry if these questions have been answered before, I just need some comfort from other rabbit parents at the moment. Please be gentle with your answers as I am still very upset 

[jerseygirl]

Oh gosh, I am so sorry. That must have been a shock. Binky Free, Little One.

I realise its a small comfort, knowing she wouldn’t have been in pain when she passed but you were expecting to bring her home.

It’s difficult to say what may have happened. A necrospy might give more answers but they don’t always. Rabbits can be so fragile. It simply may have been the infection and stress. Or a rabbit safe med that she didn’t do well on, while already struggling with high temp. Or perhaps the ear infection was only tip of the iceberg and she had something more sinister underlying that. What were the signs that had you taking her in to the vet?

Did you bring her home or are you leaving her with the vet for cremation? If you did bring her home, you could put her in with your other rabbit to see her. Some acknowledge the deceased mate very quickly then don’t want to be near. Some will take some more time with it, visiting or even grooming them.
Otherwise, it’s just a matter of keeping things as normal as possible for her and try to spend more time with her. If you have other pets that she is used to, their presence should help also. A stuffed animal might be comforting for her to sit by.
They are sentient beings and just some time also.

[Anastasia]

It really was, I am honestly still in shock. She was acting perfectly normal the day before the symptoms came: eating, drinking and playing. The only symptoms I noticed was that she wasn’t approaching me when I entered the room and instead remained hidden. She was only nibbling and uninterested in her food- not her usual excitement so I thought I would bring her to the vet just to be safe. A few hours after I brought her to the vet I rang up and they told me she was doing well and eating. I am so confused to how it went so downhill so fast, I did not think it was anything too life threatening as the vet didn’t say there was a chance that she wouldn’t make it. Could I have done something differently? Do you think she may not have received the proper care?

I am planning to bring her home and I think I will put her with my rabbit to help with the healing process- not me of course, possibly another family member as I am completely shattered over this. 

Thank-you so much for your reply, I greatly appreciate it 

[jerseygirl]

Could I have done something differently?

Oh no. It sounded like she needed to go to the vet. And it’s apparent now perhaps she was more ill then initially thought. They do hide it too well.
It sounds as if the vet were doing everything they could also.

[LittlePuffyTail]

I’m so very sorry for your loss. I don’t have any additional info to add to what Jersey said, unfortunately, but I just want you to know you are not alone. A lot of us, including myself, have had a bunny pass very suddenly, either at home or at the vet and we never found out the cause. It’s extremely hard. Give your remaining bunny lots of love and attention.

((((Binky Free))))

[Anastasia]

I really appreciate the love and support. My baby (coconut) looked just like your white rabbit

I hope you don’t mind me asking- but how do you know when your bunny is ready for a new companion? Obviously not anytime too soon- I don’t want to rush things but I also don’t want her to be lonely for too long either 

[Author]

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