Bunny died. Worried about bondmate.

[Jaenelle]

They're both six, nearly seven and were even together in the pet shop. I bought both as they were grooming each other and I couldn't separate them.

Anyways, Deia was diagnosed on Monday with arthritis and given pain meds which I followed vet's advice to the letter. I bought them both in today for snuggles. Deia plopped herself in my lap for 30 mins before I nudged her off to get a glass of water. She hopped to near the cats' crinkle sound tunnel. I heard it crinkle and found her on her side. She'd had a seizure. I rushed her immediately to the vet - it took 15 mins to get there - but she died before I even arrived.

I'm now very worried about Taia. I went to check on her when I got home and she was very distressed, looking everywhere for Deia and coming up to the cage bars as if to ask where her friend was. I'm worried that, being as old as she is, she's going to work herself to death with grief. Any advice?

 

[flemishwhite]

I'm not very well experienced with this problem. In the wild rabbits only live for a year or two (or so I've read) before they are killed by a predator. You're bunny's instinctive brain may assume that it's long time mate has been killed by a predator. I'd think being physically close to your bunny, as much as you can, will make your rabbit feel more safe and comfortable. Rabbits often depend upon each other for security, rabbits thump to warn other rabbits if danger is near. My belief is that when rabbits socialize with humans, they believe humans are just another rabbit...albiet a big rabbit! Make sure your rabbit feels secure, now that it's long time friend has disappeared. From other posts, you can read that rabbit's also become distressed if a well known human friend disappears...even temporarily.

Maybe start thinking about another mate for your bunny?

 

[Jaenelle]

She seems to be doing okay. She's eating and playing with the cats when I bring her in. She's doing better than I am!