I literally just found my rabbit dead outside. They may also become listless, sleepy, and have a reduced ability to move around. Pet shop rabbits have been inside the warm store for a few weeks or more and cannot live outside right away. We 3 adults really loved on that bunny for hours and hours, and I cant help but think he died of sadness or fright from the noise. These parasites can infect the rabbit without any symptoms. A few weeks prior we noticed he stained wherever he sat and thought he was unable to clean himself properly and we got rid of some access fur around his rear end. She was dead 12 hours later. Loud sounds can scare a rabbit to the point of causing a heart attack. He was fine last night, My bunny is not moving, not responding,his eyes are wide open,body is warm, it seems that he is sleeping but something is wrong. She died within an hour. The vet thought it could have been s virus The breeder gave us a second rabbit. He was active and alert until I found him dead. Learn More: Why does my dog open and close his mouth? Cataracts can also cause cloudy eye, which may result in the blindness of the affected eye. This article is AWFUL! last night i clean up all my bunnies cageset up everything perfectly..but this morning,i found that my bunny so weak and cant move, and suddenly dead.what happened ? I believe that when the bunny stuck his head into that confined space, he was in the oxygen-deprived breeze, passed out before he could step backward, and eventually suffocated. My lil bunny die so sudden this morning. I dont know how to say to my sister is was most likely Fly Strike. (Nutrition, Benefits, & Feeding Tips), Sumatran Striped Rabbit: Appearance, Lifespan, Temperament, Care Sheet, Silver Marten Rabbit: Appearance, Lifespan, Temperament, Care Sheet, 10 Reasons Why Rabbits are Bleeding from the Bottom, Why Is My Rabbit Breathing Fast? This condition is seen in rabbits and involves the digestive system malfunctioning. Euthanasia is a personal decision that can be difficult for you and your pet, so do your research to choose the right option for your pet. Rabbits that die suddenly during sleep may also have an infection called calicivirus. I'm very sorry for your loss. He was 10 years 6 months old to the day. Sadly she didnt make it. I found my rabbit dead this morning. But not sure he was an adult when I got him in 2017. I dont know what happened to him. Our 6 month old baby girl Holland lop "Lucky" died shortly after being spayed. Everything was normal then suddenly she died. Rabbits often do not like children and can be very fearful of them. You can store the body in the fridge temporarily until you can get it to the vet. Heatstroke and sudden death caused by high temperatures are very common in rabbits in the summertime. This guide will tell you all about nine reasons why rabbits die suddenly with eyes wide open. A female rabbit that aborts a pregnancy in late term may not be able to absorb the fetal tissue. If your bunny exhibits any of these conditions, it is important to take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible. However, rabbits that undergo euthanasia can have their eyes closed. Each one of the three who passed did so unexpectedly and at night while I was asleep. Your veterinarian will warn you about the possibility of these reactions after euthanasia. It is possible for a rabbit to die of fright. Learn More: How to keep cats from opening doors? Rabbits can suffer lethargy and dehydration if there are existing sicknesses or ailments. Yes, rabbits will commonly shed their fur in the winter. If you notice that some baby rabbits are not getting enough nutrients, its essential to step in. While it is possible that your rabbit simply passed away due to old age or illness, there is also the possibility that something more sinister was at play. Please by aware the article information about spaying isnt correct. my rabbit was very healthy a few hours ago and then the next hour I saw her she passed away.my mom said she fed her biscuits and I know it is not good , but the previous time my mom fed her biscuits she was totally fine.it might be over dose of artificial chemicals or some other reason.but the way my rabbit die out of blue was very sad.i feel sorry for dose who had similar situations as well. It can also mean that the rabbit was in pain when it died and didn't want to close its eyes because it was afraid of the darkness. Shortly after that, my mom went to check on her because I was dreading it, and she had passed away. Since its gut is not working correctly, the rabbit might not eat enough to sustain itself. There are many reasons for this, such as parasites and viral infections. Primarily, because their eyes will still transmit light even when they are approached by a predator. On 28th January 2019 at 9.30pm I found my healthy boisterous 6 year old rabbit struggling to breath and was unable to move. It was heart breaking. On our way to the vet he had one more episode. Many creatures die with their eyes open. (Learn Why) Should A Rabbit Hutch Be Off The Ground? However, loss of appetite, screaming, lethargy, and decreased fecal production are some symptoms that indicate your rabbit is going to die. Without treatment, rabbits can become blind and experience severe discomfort. Another thing you could have done is to provide your rabbit with a healthy diet and fresh water. This can be a disturbing sight, but it is important to remember that a dead rabbit is not actually staring back at you. Rabbits also have a third eyelid that is translucent and will close during sleep. We just went to the garden 6pm fudge is now passed away, fudge was fine this morning no idea what happened. We placed that machine in the same room as the bunny, running it at night. Our family misses her so much. Your rabbit could have had a heart attack. It can be hard to notice as there can be few common symptoms with other rabbit illnesses. My wife is a retired small animal vet. Wished I new what happened! He wasnt very bright for the first 6 months but I refused to believe his intelligence was lower than a bug. It is not uncommon for a rabbit's eyes to stay open after death. My advice to anyone elses rabbit that goes like that is its shock so do your best to comfort them at HOME. Learn More: How to stop cats from opening doors? A baby rabbit is actually very delicate when it's born. (Nutrition, Benefits, & Feeding Tips). Gastrointestinal stasisor GI stasis is a rabbits digestive tract condition. You're encouraging early pet death and unwanted babies. Baby rabbits should not be kept in cold weather. She was perfectly fine this morning, I still dont understand what killed my poor baby. This happens when a germ-infested fly lands on a rabbit and lays eggs on them. He was healthy and such a happy bunny. I feel so guilty so so guilty. Treatment options for GI stasis are dependent upon the severity of the obstruction. Since rabbits are prey animals they hide illness very well. With pet rabbits, it is best to only sterilize the males. Supportive care is all that can be done for FRS. I think he was about 7 years old . We rushed her to the vet as soon as we saw her and the vet said she most likely had encephalitozoonosis. The vet had no clue what was wrong with her, but they put Chocolate on painkiller anyway. Behavioral Changes Frequently Asked Questions ; Rhinitis or Coryza: A common rabbit disease that causes inflammation of the nose. Why Did My Baby Rabbit Die Suddenly? you should not be advising people to leave their female rabbits intact as this will lead to a very increased chance of reproductive cancer and urinary infections. My beautiful dwarf lion head died today suddenly. 9 mo. The rabbit may go into shock and die a few days later. Another possibility is that the rabbit's eyes are already open when they die, and they simply stay that way. It is hard to tell a rabbit's history. In the end, we made the decision to euthanize her. He was absolutely fine the night before. We even had a routine to bring him to a garden to play but since it was rainy we could not . I played with Albert who was primarily a house bun, with unfettered access to garden. Only 3 weeks with us. Throughout the day, my dad checked on Chocolate, each time she was eating food or drinking water or bouncing around the hutch. Insufficient milk can be caused by many reasons, such as lack of nutrition and bad health of the mother. She was two months old when she was given to me. This morning, I came down to feed her breakfast and she was absolutely fine. I think it is sad that it is recommended to keep rabbits bought in pet stores inside. Some rabbits may also suffer from poisoning. She still had a mouthful of cabbage, it was so sudden. Otherwise a good article. Even the vet couldnt say anything. Rabbit Died Suddenly With Eyes Open! I researched how to take care of rabbits, especially for a first timer, and I had her for about a month and she was fine. They will have very little appetite for food or water. Rabbits can ingest poisonous plants and chemicals when left unchecked. A rabbit with deadly fly strike gets a dirty bottom and has a foul smell. Feed this food all the time. Anxiety related heart attacks, inability to live outdoors, pre-existing conditions are some of the main reasons. We would recommend that you take the body to your local rabbit-savvy vet for a necropsy to get some closure. My little angel died 2 days ago. Large dogs can easily induce shock and heart attacks. Cataracts develop when the lipids on the lens membrane break down. We all remember the happy day we got our pet bunnies. Our curious & oh-so-sweet bun jumped up into a chair where a newly opened box of ordinary cookies were left for an hour, and ate 1/4 of the box. They all came from outdoor homes and the weather hasn't much changed in the last week. Most male rabbits (bucks) become sexually mature at around four months. The bunny always slept outside of his cage. And she did just that and ate breakfast like normal. Many people believe that it is normal for a rabbit's eyes to stay open after death, but this is not always the case. When my wife fed him at 715 AM he was again fine and ate. The common cause of a rabbit's sudden death is GI stasis. then this monring my bunny was not moving she's just laying not responding her eyes are wide open. If your rabbit is urinating excessively, has stopped eating, or appears very ill, then it is time to take him to the vet. It is possible for a pet rabbit to suffer poisoning and die very quickly. We left him with her for a 3 hours, as the literature suggests, so he could understand and grieve. I feel devastated. In addition to physical problems, rabbits may also suffer from digestive issues, which can be hard to detect. Suddenly her head tilted kind of to the back and was stiff in place then from thereher limbs stretched out and she diedin my hands. 00:01. If you notice blood around the anus, this may be a sign of internal bleeding. It was so fast and shocking. This can trigger the response that they develop in the wild. It may also become more selective about what it eats. If you have any concerns that foul play may have been involved, it is important to take action and speak to the authorities. In morning i woke up and he was paralysed, he couldnt move at all. This morning, with the machine running, I placed my hand where the bunny's head was lying, and realized this was within the breeze created by the oxygen concentrator. A veterinarian can help you find the cause of this unusual condition. We were very careful to rabbit proof the garage. If left untreated, it can cause premature death by malnutrition or dehydration. (Answered!) Our male Netherlands Dwarf seems fine. The condition can be prevented by carefully monitoring the rabbits digestive tract and ensuring it is functioning properly. The placement of the oxygen machine, furniture, and magazines, forced the expelled nitrogen to blow through the confined space between the magazines and the machine. Changed his litter box last night and he was just fine. Fortunately, the prognosis for GI stasis is generally good. It is EXTREMELY contagious to wild and domestic rabbits and is currently sweeping is spots in the US!! In these cases, a rabbit may die several hours later. Some rabbits will scream when they die, while others will die quietly just like any other animal. male rabbits have an equal chance of passing during sterilization surgery. With that said, it can be detrimental to their life as domestic pets. I fed her substitutional rabbit milk with a special formula I read about. On his last visit to the vet, he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. My bunny passed away. She continued to be like this, not doing anything and staying still, only blinking. Surgical treatment is the most common form of treatment and can be performed on either congenital or spontaneous cataracts. I grabbed him and rubbed him and talked to him and he recovered . On friday my loppy eared rabbit Rufus was fine i let him out that morning to run the yard as normal, he followed me everywhere like he usually does, followed me to the clothesline like normal, then i noticed him digging to get up under the gate near the shed and in the dirt i kept getting him out of it but he was determined to get in there and when he did he was rolling around on his back and side in the dirt, then he came back out and was normal, then i put him to bed at night time and he was fine and i got up to go to work the next morning he was sitting in his cage still alive but wasnt normal as i opened the door to let him out and he wouldnt come out, and he didnt touch any of his food the night before which i found very odd, and literally within 2hrs of me being at work my partner rings me up to say Rufus is dead, so i dont know how it happened and i am utterly upset about it, i still cant go outside without crying.. Rex was a run away when we found him in our front yard. The injection induces sleep, triggering the muscles in the eyelids to close. I fed her pellets like I do every mornong. So, we put him back in the hutch in the shed and thought nothing of it. First, what were the circumstances leading up to your rabbit's death? This is because rabbits have very weak muscles in their eyelids, which can cause their eyes to remain open even after they have passed away. I wd do everything to change the past. He was completely fine when I left this morning. A combination of prokinetic medications, anti-ulcer drugs, and nutritional support may be used. Instead, take your rabbit to the veterinarian as soon as you identify these signs. Our other bunny is much older and fine, they were in separate cages ( the one's that died cage was on top of the other one's), my one daughter has been staying with us for a while and sleeps in the basement(it's finished and is also where our bunnies live) with her 2yr old & 1 month old and is known for yelling and screaming and the 2yr old is the typical 2yr old( I asked if her 2yr old could have put something in the cage before they left on Friday(as we all needed a break from each other)and she stated that she had not. Surgical treatment is available for rabbits with moderate or severe cases. It's hard to lose a pet. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Can Rabbits Eat Peanuts? We're surprised since he is a very happy bunny. If your rabbit dies and you suspect poison, be sure to remove the body and sterilize the area. This condition is typically a symptom of a bacterial infection in the eye, but it can also be a sign of an underlying systemic problem. Dehydration can be a sudden cause of death when left untreated. I have researched and researched and the only thing that points to that was her being limp. I know youre not supposed to keep a wild rabbit as your pet, but her whole family was dead and I was going to raise her until she was old enough. Your veterinarian can run various tests to make a proper diagnosis, and he will also be able to recommend treatment options. However, if your rabbit was sick or injured prior to its death, there's a greater possibility that it was in pain. I suggest only sterilizing male rabbits. Heart Attack Caused By Fear 2. She kindly offered a cage, food, bedding, and helpful advice as this was my first rabbit. If a rabbit's eyes are open after death, it is likely due to muscle rigidity and not because the rabbit is still alive. Hence, it is crucial to treat your rabbit immediately. 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. Can Rabbits Eat Escarole? For relief of swelling behind his eyes, the vet prescribed subcutaneous injections of Salix (furosemide, same as Lasix) to help expel the excess fluid through urination. If you have any concerns that your rabbit may have been the victim of a crime, it is important to contact the police and file a report. The left-over nitrogen is then vented downward, out the rear of the machine, and back into the room. Its often accompanied by diarrhea so that the body will be out of water in just two to three days. It was at 7am so not all was open. Our home definitely isnt a home anymore but more than anything we just want answers. Perfectly normal, perfectly happy, perfectly nourished with the food they had eaten since they were born. . Within 2 months the original rabbit was found dead in the hutch. My mom saw her 30 minutes before she passed and she was happy, but we found her lying down, her eyes were wide open and her head was tilted back. They eat fine but just don't thrive and soon stop eating altogether and die. We are heartbroken. I got home from work 3 hours later and she was on her side with her head still in her pellet bowl with her eyes open, food in her mouth and mucous all over her nose [] I was told she died trying to give birth, as she was too young. Myiasisor flystrike is a parasite that clings to the rabbits fur. They will usually die with their eyes closed, but some rabbits will also die with their eyes wide open. This takes place before the frosty season, to help regulate their body temperature and prepare for colder weather. She was perfect and within an hour and a half she was gone. This can cause the heart to stop and the body to go into shock, leading to death. Miss him like crazy. Eating and pooping normally. How do bunnies die suddenly? Nothing was sprayed on the cabbage, it was the home grown stuff she'd eaten for the past 3 years and we eat it too. She was fine at 6:30am but by 10am she was laying in her side dead. You may notice unusual lethargy, tremors, or stiffness. Took him to the vet, they couldnt determine cause but suspected it could be spinal injury causing a nurological defect. I rushed to the emergency vet but he died in the car. We miss him so much. He lived in our kitchen so he had constant attention water and proper rabbit foods. You can choose to have your rabbit put to sleep at the hospital or in your home. She was a rescue rabbit so I have no idea how she was. Always lick our fingers regardless. I wish id kept her home that journey to a uncaring vets did her in from what i can see on here i definetly think she was in shock. Then started convulsing and shaking. My sister brought him into the house crying, holding him in her arms, saying Mistys dead! 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. But, the last time, my dad said she looked ILL. My mum took her to the vet and she was barely alive. Plain dead. 12 My rabbit died today suddenly; 13 Why Did My Rabbit Die with Eyes Open? If a rabbit aborts a pregnancy and cannot reabsorb the fetus, the baby rabbits will simply die inside her and create a toxic situation. He had 2 owners before us. - petsguideusa; 14 What to do about wild rabbits; 15 12 Sad Symptoms that Might Mean a Rabbit is Dying; 16 Wild . Why does my dog open and close his mouth? He was vaccinated, and saw his vet regularly, We had 2 rabbits from a breeder one became ill within 36 hours and died. Found him laying in his pee. He was fully grown when we took him in so I would guess he was 7 1/2 years old when he died. If the rabbit has difficulty digesting food, it may develop a blockage or even an impaction, which can be a life-threatening problem. Some rabbits will display signs of fright before dying, such as shaking, trembling, and rapid breathing. One thing you could have done is take your rabbit to the vet for regular checkups and vaccinations. The after like 4 hours into the day his body started getting numb and week. The slow down of the ingestion and absorption of nutrients in the rabbits digestive tract. My rabbit gave birth to four litres and they all die at once. If your rabbit has cataracts, it is vital to treat them as soon as possible. This cause of death is especially vital for kits or baby rabbits. No new food, she gets cleaned out regular, we have other pets but they cant touch her, I dont think she had a fright. I miss him dearly, and think about him every day. But suddenly she died yesterday. So far it is mainly in the southwest, west, and northwest. Being poisoned by plants can happen overnight or for a month. He was my therapy. Alertness is essential for rabbits in the wild. Having Pre-Existing Medical Problem What Are Signs Of A Baby Bunny Dying? I am devastated by the loss and just want answers. - AnswerDatabase; 7 7.What are some of the causes of sudden death in rabbits? If you have any reason to believe that someone may have wanted to harm your rabbit, it is important to contact the police and share your suspicions. If you come across a dead rabbit, you should not try to close its eyes. - Rabbits United Forum; 10 10.10 Reasons Bunnies Die: Causes . Four years ago, someone in the household developed the need for an oxygen concentrator machine. We stayed with her petting her till she passed. Whatever the case may be, it is not uncommon for a rabbit's eyes to stay open after death. Possible sources of poison include gardening products, pesticides, washing powder, and other cleaning products. Gin very ill and lost without his longtime companion. This guide will tell you all about nine reasons why rabbits die suddenly with eyes wide open. I think i stressed him much, my poor baby, my little baby. I turned off the oxygen machine, and then removed the bunny. We cleaned up as Mitch as we could. I need to know what caused her death. You should ALWAYS, ALWAYS neuter *and* spay rabbits, 80% of female rabbits will get cancer by age 4 and be dead soon after. Stress or genetic abnormality can cause it. Swallowing a sharp or large object can literally tear a rabbit's insides, causing severe internal bleeding. They will sniff and forage from their surroundings. She was quickly getting more and more lethargic and I was growing more upset because I was helpless. (Solved!) My rabbit Ruffles was perfectly fine until my mom checked in on him and saw him dead. Can Rabbits Eat Star Fruit? I won her at the fair and till this day wish I new why. Cant understand why, he was so full off energy. If the temperature in their environment changes suddenly or there is a sudden loud noise, it can cause their heart to stop. If you find any suspicious items near the body, such as poison or a weapon, this could also be indicative of foul play. Learn More: Why do birds open their mouths? He was laying on his side barely alive. I heard a thud and checked on him. The oxygen machine sits about three inches from the wall, almost touching a solid piece of furniture to the right. Diarrhea and itchy skin are not only found in myiasis cases. ago. Far more virulent than Covid-19, it is carried on shoes, hair, clothing and can survive in the environment for up to a year. 3 days ago it was always not having fun with the other rabbit it was very strange. I found him dead a few hours later. GI stasis can occur in rabbits, particularly those with poor diets, and it can be triggered by illness, trauma, or dental disease. (Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus. Haih I'm so dissapointed and confused as well since I couldn't figure out the reason behind his death. That day there was a big hail storm that was extremely loud. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. Every night he'd watch tv with us. Putting dangerous chemicals in rabbits safe places is a great idea to steer them from being poisoned. However, death with eyes wide open is normal and expected. She was fine last night after i gave her dinner, and then morning she was bleeding from her bottom and laying flat on the floor. Trouble breathing or gasping for breath. If a child does not handle the rabbit properly, the rabbit may jump about so the child can't hold them or lets go. The best way to prevent this fatal condition is to regularly check your rabbit's bottom and keep it clean. I had a perfectly fine rabbit it was active and living in a big cage no cats nothing disturbs them. Rabbits are prone to death by shock and fright. We called vets but earliest appointment was to late, however Im glad he passed away at home with us and avoided the stressful vet visit. No doubt about it. This afternoon i found my female rabbit had passed away, leaving her brother behind.