1 year old passed away suddenly

[pikadanny]

My rabbit passed away yesterday morning very unexpectedly - he turned a year old only a week ago. He was behaving normally the night before, and even that morning a few hours before we found him he seemed normal. It's worth mentioning that he just experienced a long drive and move into a new house earlier this week. I tried my hardest to do some research on if the stress of the move could've done anything, but I haven't found much. This was the third time he's relocated, so its definitely something he's used to. In this new house we have a roommate with a large dog, which the bunny was introduced to once. Once again, I tried doing some research on whether the stress of living with a dog could've caused his early passing, but didn't find too much. When we found his body, he was flipped on his back (belly up) and there was some bile on his mouth and neck. Did he eat something he wasn't supposed to? Really any insight on what could've happened would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Nancy McClelland]

Might have ate something but a necropsy would let you know if that was the case. WE made a move of 10 hours driving time with 17, so we are pretty sure that was not the cause. We have had a couple pass with no obvious cause--it just happens so don't beat yourself up. So sorry you lost you're little man.

 

[sootybunny]

I’m sorry for your loss. I wonder if he choked on something. Was he vaccinated?

 

[pikadanny]

Might have ate something but a necropsy would let you know if that was the case. WE made a move of 10 hours driving time with 17, so we are pretty sure that was not the cause. We have had a couple pass with no obvious cause--it just happens so don't beat yourself up. So sorry you lost you're little man.

He seemed very comfortable with the car rides, he was a very relaxed little bun Thank you for your help!

 

[Cookiemonster]

im soooo sorry...

 

[jamesewaller]

My rabbit passed away yesterday morning very unexpectedly - he turned a year old only a week ago. He was behaving normally the night before, and even that morning a few hours before we found him he seemed normal. It's worth mentioning that he just experienced a long drive and move into a new house earlier this week. I tried my hardest to do some research on if the stress of the move could've done anything, but I haven't found much. This was the third time he's relocated, so its definitely something he's used to. In this new house we have a roommate with a large dog, which the bunny was introduced to once. Once again, I tried doing some research on whether the stress of living with a dog could've caused his early passing, but didn't find too much. When we found his body, he was flipped on his back (belly up) and there was some bile on his mouth and neck. Did he eat something he wasn't supposed to? Really any insight on what could've happened would be greatly appreciated.

dear member,--my strongest,heartfelt condolences-,your loss is our loss..-there is a lot to know about a lagamorph..I have one survivor-oct-22-2018-will be his 13 th bd {91yrs.old}--my avatar is a wild cottontail who was almost 7 yr.s old..i can only hope this helps in your time of need-sincerely james waller-in memory of joseph r cottontail,rip

 

[Bam Bam]

I am so sorry for your loss. I agree with Nancy. If I am not too latePlease do a necropsy. It is not only a way for you to know but it would help all bunny owners for the future care of our rabbits.
I lost my Pebbles a few months ago. I have cared for rabbits for over 10 years and thought I knew a lot. She never had a sick day in 8 years and she stopped eating and pooping. I thought she was in stasis and treated her with no relief. I was ready to take her to the vet when she passed in my arms. I had a necropsy done and she passed from bloat. I did not know treating her as if she had stasis was the wrong thing to do. I felt awful and the only comfort was that the vet told me 80% of bloat cases pass. Still did not comfort me but I learned a hard lesson and that was simple. If your bunny does not act normal or you feel something is wrong, get in your car and run to the vet. They are the experts

 

[April LD]

Pikadanny,

I am sorry for your loss. It's hard to lose a bun especially so young and unexpectedly.

It sounds like he could have choked on something. I recently had one of my baby bunnies choke - she was outside eating kibble and running around - she went back to the kibble and ate some then she started rubbing her face - like cleaning, but then she was also acting like she was trying to throw up - I grabbed her and hit her on her back, let her down and she continued these same movements, I walked up to her and saw green yellow type fluid (probably bile) coming from her nose and mouth so I grabbed her face and pulled like I would with a toddler with a runny nose, it was all wet and gooey, picked her up and hit her back a couple more times, she coughed and then was fine. Scared the crap outta me!

I would agree that, if you can afford to, have an necropsy, see what may have happened.

I have not had rabbits all my life, but I believe in researching. I didn't know a lot when I got my Tigger but researched, read, and whatnot; then I, unfortunately, purchased a VERY SICK bunny a few months later and learned quickly how to be a bunny pro, per my vet. He had to be fed with syringe, given anitbiotics via injection, and oral meds for the the first 8 months I had him. We made trips to US DAVIS and my vet locally each month...it was hard.

Binks, my once sick bunny is the SWEETEST bunny EVER! He is like a fluffy, airplane eared puppy. We have a very special bond as I was his mom (years later after raising baby bunnies I realized he was taken from his mom too early - I was told he was 8 weeks but when I look back he wasn't even 4 weeks I'm sure) so I was his mom; he had to be fed and given water through syringe for about a month because he was so young and sick and we thought we would lose him, and his first love but he was sad he needed someone during the day so we got him a girlfriend - now I am jealous of her...but he is happy and loves us both...

Attached a cute pick of Tigger and Binks - Tigger in the last year has warmed up to Binks and enjoys his company outside in the back yard but will share his cage with anyone

 

[jamesewaller]

My rabbit passed away yesterday morning very unexpectedly - he turned a year old only a week ago. He was behaving normally the night before, and even that morning a few hours before we found him he seemed normal. It's worth mentioning that he just experienced a long drive and move into a new house earlier this week. I tried my hardest to do some research on if the stress of the move could've done anything, but I haven't found much. This was the third time he's relocated, so its definitely something he's used to. In this new house we have a roommate with a large dog, which the bunny was introduced to once. Once again, I tried doing some research on whether the stress of living with a dog could've caused his early passing, but didn't find too much. When we found his body, he was flipped on his back (belly up) and there was some bile on his mouth and neck. Did he eat something he wasn't supposed to? Really any insight on what could've happened would be greatly appreciated.

greatest heartfelt of condolences,-rabbits are prey animals and hide their distress very well,-they are hard wired that way,,-even a seasoned rabbitier is hard pressed to save them...there is a lot to know about these critters..sincerely james waller for joseph r cottontail rip

 

[My Bunny Drake]

I am so sorry for your loss!