Sudden loss of my beautiful boy, worried about his bonded best friend

[Sucha]

Hi everyone I’m new here. I’m middle aged, mum of 3 adult kids and yet I’m not dealing with this at all…
I had 2 rabbits. Yesterday my bunny boy had a seizure and passed away on the way to the emergency vet. He was only 4 and was the most wonderful rabbit, I loved him so much. I’m struggling to process everything that happened. I’ve been taking him back and forth to my vet for weeks now and they had been unable to find what was causing him to have breathing troubles and water retention. He was due to go today to monitor his progress with the third lot of antibiotics he’d been on, and not responding. Earlier this week he had a seizure but recovered quickly. They were going to give him blood tests etc today. But last night he was mouth breathing and distressed so I put him in his carrier to get him to the vet. He had a seizure 3 minutes into the drive.
He and my bunny girl are really closely bonded. They are always together, constantly grooming. She is very needy towards him. We left her with his body for about 3 hours, it was heartbreaking to watch. Eventually she left him alone so we removed his body. This morning she’s so confused. She keeps running to me and periscoping. I don’t think she remembers or understands. What can I do for her? the last thing I want is for her to go downhill from grief. I’m completely heartbroken and exhausted. Any ideas how to help her?

[DanaNM]

I’m so sorry for your loss of your dear bun

My Moose died at 1 from unknown issues… but as in your case it was likely something very serious and possibly genetic.

It’s very good you left his body with her for a while. Usually when that is done, the surviving rabbit will grieve, but they will understand what happened and won’t slip into deep depression.

Is she eating and pooping OK? It’s normal for buns to be a bit more quiet or behave a bit differently while grieving, but she should eat and poop her normal amount. The best thing you can do for her now is to try to spend as much time as possible with her and monitor her health. You might consider getting her a stuffy to snuggle and groom (but supervise to make sure she doesn’t chew it). If she does seem to be going downhill, often getting another rabbit (even if just a foster, to be a neighbor for a while) will help a ton. I read one account of a grieving bun that would only eat when another bunny was around, so a friend would bring their bunny over daily so that bunny would eat.

Again I’m so so sorry… give her extra snuggles, it will help you both with this process.

((((Binky free little bunny boy))))

. . . 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.  

[Sucha]

Thank you so much, I’m still in shock at the suddenness of it. I’m sure you are right I think he had a heart problem that was possibly genetic. Virginia is eating and pooping, and seems to be coping ok, but of course she’s lonely. The cuddly toy is a great idea, I’ll dig one out of the basement for her. Unfortunately I live in France where adoption rabbits are extremely rare, but there is a refuge in my nearest city that I could try if I feel it’s best for her to have a new companion. I could also ask my vet as people often hand unwanted small animals. Early days, I’ll see how she gets on. There is absolutely no one here (other than my family) that would understand how devastating this has been. ?

[LittlePuffyTail]

I’m so very sorry for your loss.

I have no experience losing a bonded bunny, but I’ve lost quite a few single bunnies so I know all too well the heartache you are feeling. It seems harder when it is so sudden.

((((((Binky Free))))))

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