- Rabbits United Forum - Rabbit Rehome, Common Causes of Sudden Death in Healthy Rabbits - PetHelpful, 21 Heartbreaking Signs That Your Rabbit Is Dying + 5 Tips. I'm sure he didn't love it, and missed our scratches. There is an antiviral vaccine that can help prevent rabbits from contracting calicivirus. It is possible for a rabbit to die of fright. If the rabbit has difficulty digesting food, it may develop a blockage or even an impaction, which can be a life-threatening problem. He died this morning all with pee and poo problems. It is highly recommended you spay a female rabbit as early as possible. Dry baths and spot cleaning are great ways to clean your rabbits without endangering them. I suggest only sterilizing male rabbits. He had stayed at this place at other times in the past. The left-over nitrogen is then vented downward, out the rear of the machine, and back into the room. But some key indications that a rabbit may be near death include: One thing you could have done is take your rabbit to the vet for regular checkups and vaccinations. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. It's hard to say if my rabbit's death was preventable. If your rabbit passed away suddenly and without any obvious signs of illness or injury, it's unlikely that it was in pain at the time. Prayers u also. Many new rabbit owners are not aware of deadly fly strike. Inability to move or resist effort to move So even if your rabbit wasn't displaying any of the above signs, it's still possible that it was in pain. What could possibly happen like that within 12 hours!? This guide will tell you all about nine reasons why rabbits die suddenly with eyes wide open. They had water and food and were not exposed. Can Rabbits Eat Star Fruit? Why did this happen did something go wrong during giving birth, my bunny died today it's a boy im 8 years my name is Maddie I got him like 3 months ago I went to my room I see him not moving his neck is twisted.that's no fair I love him so much I call my mom and my sister, also brother we were sad im so dumb for thinking i can have a bunny the first time i got him i was so excited to get one and i come to this,last night i played with him and i give him food and water then i put him in his cage when i wake up i dont think to give hime food or water i woke up at 8 and go to get ready to leave,im so mad at my self i want to punch a wall well it was his time but why today i dont under stand, well if your reading this dont think your alone i miss him to much. He was vaccinated, and saw his vet regularly, We had 2 rabbits from a breeder one became ill within 36 hours and died. There are several reasons why a baby rabbit might die. He died on the 10th day. Now I have 3. Cataracts are painful for rabbits, and fortunately they can be treated. While giant breeds will not usually live to eight years, a healthy standard or dwarf rabbit will live to a full life span provided it is cared for properly. Even if she is not pregnant she will create a nest because here hormones dictate that. This article is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge. She was dead. Same here.. we just lost 7 rabbits and the of them have orphaned babies. She was given a 1.1/2 dose of anisatic I was told I am really upset don't know what to think anymore I miss her so much, Our bunny died this morning afyer being with us for 3.5 years and it was and is a very saddening experience, The thing is if you dont sterilize the female rabbit she will most likely develope uterus cancer around the age of four. During those weeks, she loved the milk no problem. However, the cause of GI stasis is still unclear. This can damage the animal's eyelids and cause them to become stuck in the open position. Losing a pet can cause so much pain for rabbit owners. Miss him like crazy. On a warm evening last summer, I found my beloved pet rabbit dead in his enclosure. No other animals in the garage. The most common cause of death in rabbits is due to the heart attack caused by being frightened by loud noises. If a rabbit's eyes are open after death, it is likely due to muscle rigidity and not because the rabbit is still alive. My rabbit is not moving he wont walk but just eaten a carrot.his eyes have gone wide,blind? For example, rhubarb leaves have oxalic acid that can cause kidney failure. In the USA, almost fifty to seventy percent of the rabbit population are a carrier of the e. cuniculi. He hopped several times around, we hand fed and gave water. Someone help I just want closure of my 10 month rabbit and 2 month hamster. I think it is sad that it is recommended to keep rabbits bought in pet stores inside. Changed his litter box last night and he was just fine. My little angel died 2 days ago. I was told not to let my other bunnies play outside at all in the heat and liver torsion can be genetic, trauma or bacterial. In the end, we made the decision to euthanize her. then this monring my bunny was not moving she's just laying not responding her eyes are wide open. If your rabbit was not vaccinated, they may have contracted a fatal disease. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Slowly introduce them to one another. However, sudden heart attacks can happen naturally. Save your rabbits, it is too late for mine. The vet had no clue what was wrong with her, but they put Chocolate on painkiller anyway. He was never caged and had free roam of the house and garden for 8 years. "I had gone off to work, I . There are many possible reasons why your rabbit died with eyes open, including causes that are not yet fully understood. Unfortunately, it is impossible to know why a rabbit would suddenly die from a general description. Its absolutely abhorrent for you to AT ALL be telling people they shouldn't be neutering females. There is a possibility he will follow shortly due to a broken heart which is found in many animals. I still don't know who killed my rabbit, or why they did it. If a child ran out into your garden yelling and a few days later your rabbit died, then you have your cause: Rabbits can die of shock (see below) and are not suitable for children under 12 years of age. Next thing I know theyre dead. If you do not know the person who is selling the rabbit, ask a vet or veterinary nurse to come along so they can give a proper examination of the animal. I picked her up and put her on a blanket and she relaxed. If the rabbit was not able to drink enough water, its organs would start to shut down, including the eyes. - AnswerDatabase; 7 7.What are some of the causes of sudden death in rabbits? I place the young males in a kennel with other young males around the same age, seven weeks old. Rabbits may also die suddenly without showing any symptoms. Some other males started chasing one and he had a heart attack and died. Victoria Brownworth, a US-based journalist, faced a barrage of abuse on Twitter after posting that her wife, Maddy, died suddenly on November 12 after battling cancer. Yesterday morning, I found the bunny dead, flopped in the space between the machine and the magazines, with his nose almost touching the wall. The fatal thing about e. cuniculi is that most infections are undetectable until too late. It's a controlled motion, so if the rabbit dies while its eyes are wide open, it will stay like that as the rigor mortis sets in. Rabbits can die of fright due to predators, unfamiliar sounds, and loud noises. We thought he was sleeping because he had his eyes closed. Four years ago, someone in the household developed the need for an oxygen concentrator machine. Many plants and flowers, such as onion, potato, and tulips, are unsuitable for rabbit consumption. He died in my arms after letting out 2 yelps and was shaking =(. Now Im scared I missed something and didnt catch it. It is not uncommon for people to see a dead rabbit and assume that the animal is still alive because its eyes are open. He would always run to me when he saw me. She lived a good life. Needless to say not something we caused. I have no idea why..we also had 2 other 8 week olds that also diednot knowing whyits so frustratingwe have 3 left and we'll see what happens.. We have raised netherland dwarfs for many years and have seen many causes of sudden death in rabbits. I thought he s dead but he was still breathing. My checkered giant bunnie, 1 1/2 year old passed away on christmas, she was totally fine in the morning, spent bonding time the night before with a few treats and checked her later afternoon she was stretched out in her liter box still a bit warm. We boarded our( 5 year old fixed male) rabbit at a very reputable pet store for 12 days total( to go to a wedding out of town). If you ever encounter or rescue these animals, its safe for them to be tested to ensure they are not carriers of any disease. You're encouraging early pet death and unwanted babies. Its often accompanied by diarrhea so that the body will be out of water in just two to three days. She had no odor coming from her whatsoever, her stool was normal, no changes to her pee. Possible Reasons Why a Seemingly Healthy Rabbit Can Suddenly Die The bunny was an indoor pet that could not handle outdoor temperatures. Pet shop rabbits have been inside the warm store for a few weeks or more and cannot live outside right away. She would lick my hand as I was holding her head up so she could drink water While we were trying to reach her vet. This has been very upsetting. I fed her substitutional rabbit milk with a special formula I read about. Rabbits stop growing at 1824 months of age, but read up on the breed of rabbit you are looking at so you know the typical sizes for babies and adults of that type. He then had discharge from they eye but we cleared that up. He protected her as if that was his baby. While the exact reason why your rabbit died may never be known, each of these theories is a possibility. Do Rabbits Eat Calibrachoa? Be fore bed. Rabbits have an extra eyelid behind their second and first lids called the nictating membrane. You will be missed. Many people believe that it is normal for a rabbit's eyes to stay open after death, but this is not always the case. All information published on this website is provided in good faith and for general use only. They will be able to determine if there were any underlying health conditions that may have contributed to your rabbit's death. Yes, rabbits will commonly shed their fur in the winter. Gastrointestinal stasis can also be very painful and uncomfortable for rabbits. My rabbit was ten weeks old when we got her and her brothershe was super healthy yesterday and this morning..they live outside so I looked out the window and saw she wasn't moving. The owner finds their rabbit usually flat out appearing dead until picked up and further checking show the rabbit breathing but not able to move. Occasionally, rabbits that die suddenly could also be suffering from shock. Use a fly guard in your rabbit's environment and keep your pet on a proper diet: no carrots, lettuce, or bread. One possibility is that the rabbit was suffering from a disease or injury that caused it to become dehydrated. If your bunny does die, please take care to bury them properly and respect their remains. She was quickly getting more and more lethargic and I was growing more upset because I was helpless. Also by his litter box. However, there are some times when rabbits cant close their eyes and this could be a major cause of sudden death. ( Those was his favorite), My poor bunny died when I was at school and I try not to cry and he was just 10 months old but so small and the old bunny (his dad) who is 8 years old is very sad. One of the most common causes of sudden rabbit death is that the rabbit was meant to live indoors and could not handle the temperatures outdoors. When a rabbit dies with eyes open, it can mean a couple different things. I am having him preserved as we cannot let him go and that way he will be here in his home where he belongs with us. However, some of the most common theories include: -Your rabbit may have experienced a sudden and traumatic event such as being startled by a loud noise or being attacked by another animal. I wd do everything to change the past. If they dont make it at least they died there in your arms and not panicked in the back of car. Cataracts arent curable, but they can be treated. My rabbit died today with no reason I didnt get to see him before he passed Im sorry for all with the same problem. The asymptomatic rabbit can infect other rabbits without owners and handlers knowing that they carry e. cuniculi. Each one of the three who passed did so unexpectedly and at night while I was asleep. Didn't show us any sign before he died tho. Ailing bunnies may lose weight rapidly and may stop eating altogether. The vet said not to expect him to live many more days. She had been ill for some time, and we did everything we could to make her comfortable. Tell (8am) one the hospitals open, in Louisville would see him. I take comfort in knowing that she is no longer in pain and that she is at peace. - Rabbits United Forum; 10 10.10 Reasons Bunnies Die: Causes . If you come across a dead rabbit, you should not try to close its eyes. You may notice unusual lethargy, tremors, or stiffness. Theres no set answer to this question as it can vary depending on the individual rabbit. Cloudy eye in rabbits can cause a variety of symptoms, including irritation, dryness, and pain. If you have another rabbit and that one seems fine, take them to the vet just in case. Cant understand why, he was so full off energy. We had the make the most traumatizing call and put her down because she was suffering. My mini lop aged 9 months had 5 healthy babies 5 weeks ago babies fine until today 1 was lethargic and wouldnt eat and he died mother was the same, she died couple of hours later she had a few seizures (or body just giving up) then died absolutely gutted why or what caused this? Tyzzer's Disease: Caused by Bacillus piliformis, rabbits may be infected by the ingestion of spores and exhibit sudden and profuse watery diarrhea, lethargy, dehydration, and rapid death within 1-2 days after symptoms in the majority of cases [11]. Always lick our fingers regardless. Dying with eyes open. rabbit died suddenly with eyes open. He stopped drinking 2 days ago and I fed him 2 strawberries last night. I miss my baby. Changes In Vital Signs 4. A combination of prokinetic medications, anti-ulcer drugs, and nutritional support may be used. The eyes may be sunken in and the hair around them may be greasy or matted. Came home from work tonight and found one of our two bunnies dead in it's cage? My bunny had free run of the house, but would not venture out of site of his cage, therefore he always stayed in the same room. If you have plants nearby your home, make sure they are rabbit safe. It's hard to lose a pet. In morning i woke up and he was paralysed, he couldnt move at all. Although rabbits are mostly quiet, they can shriek and scream when frightened. Learn More: How to keep birds out of open buildings? Another possibility is that the rabbit's eyes are already open when they die, and they simply stay that way. Almost makes ya want to give up bunnies but so much enjoyable than a cat My bunny passed away yesterday shed been in her cage 2daus being quiet not like her so had her out and she want being mobile so sat her on my lap cuddles and stroking. I fostered him as a baby from the SPCA, where he chose me from all the other people that came to visit. But we noticed that one of the rabbits wasnt acting right. Feed this food all the time. He was ok in the am afew hours later checked on him and he was flumpped on his stomach couldnt move. Euthanasia is a humane and compassionate way to end a life. If the rabbit falls to the floor, it may break its backbone or neck. Found him laying in his pee. The gastrointestinal system can also be affected by other problems, such as oligodipsia or infection. I was heartbroken, but grateful that he had passed peacefully. We miss him so much. It's dangerous for a rabbit's body temperature to remain this low and is a clear sign that they are beginning to go into shock. If you are planning to get a bunny, train your dog beforehand and keep them away from each other. Or lading on his side. Shortly after that, my mom went to check on her because I was dreading it, and she had passed away. If your rabbit was sick or injured, did it display any signs of pain? This happens when a germ-infested fly lands on a rabbit and lays eggs on them. We're surprised since he is a very happy bunny. I had a perfectly fine rabbit it was active and living in a big cage no cats nothing disturbs them. No new food, she gets cleaned out regular, we have other pets but they cant touch her, I dont think she had a fright. This can cause the heart to stop and the body to go into shock, leading to death. 12 My rabbit died today suddenly; 13 Why Did My Rabbit Die with Eyes Open? If there is any evidence of trauma - such as blood or bruises - this could be an indication that your rabbit was the victim of an attack. If your rabbit has suddenly died, you might wonder why his or her eyes are open. Regardless of the exact reason, it is clear that dying with eyes open is not necessarily a sign of peaceful death. This could give the rabbit enough time to\. . In many cases, a rabbit may scream when it smells or hears a predator. If you notice your rabbit is suddenly unable to breathe, check for signs of sudden death. Since its gut is not working correctly, the rabbit might not eat enough to sustain itself. Symptoms were bulging eyes, and x-ray showed enlarged heart. Next, speak to your veterinarian. 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