Rabbit found dead this moring

[Ianbun]

I have two rabbits, and they go outside most days, unless it’s raining, but their indoor cages provide space to run a bit. Anyway, my female rabbit had floppy bunny syndrome a few weeks back and recovered very quickly. Today I went in to see them when I got up and my female had died overnight. My other is a male and they are both desexed and get along fine, although yesterday he was chasing her a little as it was raining so they hadn’t had time outside, so we separated them as she was a bit stressed. She was a very nervous bunny but we had never had problems because of that. I didn’t notice any signs of why she had died until my partner noticed a yellow discharge from her mouth and around her bottom. I have tried to find answers online, as I am worried for my male, who is currently still fine – eating, drinking, all fine and normal behaviour, however she was also normal last night before we went to bed. Is it possible she ate something outside two days ago and didn’t show signs of poisoning? Or is there another reason she might have died so suddenly with this yellow discharge? 

Thanks in advance for any help. 

[jerseygirl]

Im so sorry for your loss.

I think you would need a post mortem exam done to truly know what took her. Could you call the vet clinic and describe how you found her to see if they know any possible causes?

The yellow substance could possible be bile fluids.(??)

Did her symptoms of floppy rabbit syndrome resolve by themselves or was she given something to over come them?

[Ianbun]

Thanks for you condolences and your answer.

Our vet would unfortunately want her to be brought in for a post mortem exam they don’t like to give over the phone advice at all.

I hadn’t though about bile fluids! Could be a possibility if she had eaten something wrong, and her tummy couldn’t process it properly. Her FRS was helped by a little bit of Vit E in her water, she recovered in about 3 days.

[jerseygirl]

That is good she had a swift turn around at least.

With a sudden death, rabbit haemorrhagic disease always comes to mind. Are you in a region of the world where the RVHD 1 & 2 viruses are prevalent?

Other then rigor mortis, I really don’t know what is normal to see in rabbits after they’ve passed. Perhaps the discharge is a normal process??

Again, Im sorry you lost her like this. How is her bond mate doing?

[sarahthegemini]

Such a sad story I’m so sorry In regards to the yellow fluid coming from her mouth, I can’t be sure but when my Dad passed away a substance like what you described came out of his mouth and the nurses said that was just normal bodily fluids.

[Luna]

I am sorry for the loss of your bun. I hope your male bun is ok while he is dealing with her loss.

[Bladesmith]

I’m so sorry for your loss.  May your bun RIP and may your heart heal soon.

[Ianbun]

Thanks everyone for your replies.

Male is still doing okay thankfully, although he seems a bit depressed which is fair enough, we are still in shock ourselves. Does anyone have any advice for helping him through this? I’ve been spending more time with him, as he would normally have her for company when we aren’t able.

[sarahthegemini]

I think spending more time with him is great, show him lots of love and attention. Give him yummy treats too to make sure he doesn’t stop eating. Most importantly, be patient – he needs to grieve. It sounds like you’re doing everything right already xxx

[jerseygirl]

Definitely. I agree.

Some rabbits find comfort with a stuffed toy as a sort of companion. They may take to sitting right next to it, or even groom it.

[PruenPiper]

I’m so sorry for your loss. We did successfully pull off the stuffed animal therapy with our girl Prue. Her sister Piper had to be put down, so we were very scared since Prue didn’t get to see or be around the body to say goodbye. It’s seems your bun was there when she passed which I’ve read is a good thing. We ran out and bought a stuffed rabbit about the size of Piper a day later. Prue would honk at it, move it around and then leave it alone. It was heart breaking to watch because we so wanted her to like it. We found a smaller very plushy lamb stuffed animal smaller then both of the rabbits. It was an instant connection! She loves on him any change she gets. He is so matted with kisses, and when we look in the camera they are both together at night. So my advice if you want to give it a shot, make the stuffed animal smaller than him, and very soft. Piper passed almost seven months ago and Prue is still going strong. Good luck and let us know what happens.

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