What is the most common cause of death in rabbits?

The RVC's VetCompass programme studied data from 6,349 rabbits, and identified the most common medical issues and causes of death in pet rabbits.
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They found the most common causes of death recorded were:
  • Fly strike (10.9%)
  • Anorexia (4.9%)
  • Collapse (4.9%)
  • Gut stasis (4.3%)


What would cause a rabbit to suddenly die?

RHDV2 is a highly contagious virus that can spread quickly among rabbit populations. But poses no human health risk. RHD causes sudden death in rabbits and spreads through direct contact between live rabbits or exposure to contaminated materials (carcasses, pelts, food, water, and forage, etc.)

What kills rabbits quickly?

There are foods that rabbits should not eat, but only some of these will result in a fatality. Toxic foods are those that are most likely to result in the immediate death of a pet rabbit.
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Allium Vegetables
  • Onions (red and brown)
  • Garlic.
  • Shallots.
  • Chives.


How do rabbits act before they die?

Signs that a rabbit is near death include refusing to eat, an unusual level of lethargy, difficulty breathing, or a sudden change in vital signs. A rabbit should have a body temperature between 100 degrees Fahrenheit and 104 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as a heart rate between 180 and 250 beats per minute.

Do rabbits know one dies?

Many times the surviving rabbit will sniff, nudge, groom, and even hop on their mate. Eventually, though, he will begin to realize his friend is gone. A rabbit who doesn't get to see his mate's body will likely have a difficult time understanding where his friend went.


Top 10 Causes of Death in Rabbits.



How long do rabbits live before they die?

Most domestic rabbits can easily live to be 8 years old, and many can live for up to 12 years. Unlike wild rabbits, who face constant stress and predators, domestic rabbits have regular access to food and safe places to hide.

What foods are fatal to rabbits?

  • Avocados. Though an excellent, healthy snack for humans, avocados contain a compound called persin which can be dangerously toxic to rabbits. ...
  • Chocolate. ...
  • Fruit Seeds/Pits. ...
  • Raw Onions, Leeks, Garlic. ...
  • Meat, Eggs, Dairy. ...
  • Broad Beans and Kidney Beans. ...
  • Rhubarb. ...
  • Iceberg Lettuce.


What is the silent killer in rabbits?

GastroIntestinal Stasis

The longer you wait to treat it, the more dangerous it gets. If you notice changes in your rabbits eating or pooping, first call your rabbit-savvy veterinarian. In the meantime, understand more about rabbit “GastroIntestinal Stasis”, and why we call it a silent killer, here.


How often should I give my rabbit gas drops?

Give 1/3 of a dropper (0.3ml) for smaller bunnies, or ½ dropper (0.5ml) for larger bunnies every 4-6 hours until your bunny appears to lay down in her normal manner, or she beings to eat again. A Gas relief product is a good thing to have on hand in your rabbit care emergency kit.

How much does it cost to treat GI stasis in rabbits?

Apart from being a very serious condition, gut stasis can be expensive to treat. Just the medications alone can cost around $150–200. If hospitalisation is needed, you could easily spend several hundred dollars and if surgery is needed, this can be thousands.

Will my rabbit survive GI stasis?

Rabbits with GI stasis can quickly become lethargic and may exhibit signs of pain such as teeth grinding and a hunched posture. They may also begin to produce excessive gas and sometimes soft stool or diarrhea. If this is left untreated, severe cases of GI stasis can be fatal.


At what age is a rabbit considered old?

Smaller rabbits are said to be seniors from about the age of seven or eight, while large bunnies age more quickly and are usually classified as a senior rabbit at around four to five years old.

Do rabbits have heart attacks when scared?

Others have told me that they even worry about their inside rabbits getting so riled up or scared that a heart attack is possible. In answer to your question, yes, rabbits can have heart attacks, so it's a good idea to make sure they have a calm, quiet life.

What should I never feed my rabbit?

Cookies, nuts, seeds, grains, and bread should not be fed to rabbits. "Cookies, nuts, seeds, grains, and bread should not be fed to rabbits." Fruits can be fed in very limited quantities – no more than 1-2 tablespoons of high-fiber fresh fruit (such as apple, pear, or berries) every 1-2 days.


What veggies should rabbits not eat?

What can rabbits not eat? These foods are poisonous for your rabbit and could make her ill: Potatoes, daffodils, tulips, rhubarb, lillies, mushrooms, avocado, broad beans, sweet peas, buttercup, kidney beans, jasmine, foxglove and iceberg lettuce.

What kills rabbits during the day?

Cats, including pet cats and bobcats. They can hunt at night or during the day. Dogs, wolves, and coyotes. These opportunistic feeders can hunt at any time.

Do rabbits cry when they die?

Sometimes, rabbits 'scream' just before death and this noise can be very upsetting. Although less common, some owners also report hearing whimpering or soft grunting just before a rabbit death. For example, there have been quite a few reports of rabbits crying for several seconds and then convulsing.


What temperature do rabbits die at?

Temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit may be too cold even for healthy adult rabbits.

What causes rabbits to die overnight?

Loud sounds, such as cats, dogs, loud music, or screaming can lead to a heart attack and put a rabbit into shock, causing sudden death. It can take several days for the rabbit to die this way, and it does not happen often, but it is quite possible.

Do rabbits recognize their name?

Pet rabbits do know their own names. Rabbits can learn to associate sounds with specific commands over time. This includes coming to an owner when you call its name. Rewarding a rabbit with treats, petting, or other consistent positive reinforcements will help it retain these commands in its memory.


Do bunnies like to be kissed?

Many rabbits enjoy being kissed on the top of the head. Your rabbit will not kiss you back, but will return your affection in other ways. Licking is a key sign of affection from rabbits. You can teach a bonded rabbit to 'kiss' you with training.

How are rabbits put to sleep?

Euthanasia typically involves an injection into a main vein which will quickly and painlessly send the rabbit to sleep. Their breathing and heart will stop within a minute or so, and they will gently slip away.

What does GI stasis look like in rabbits?

Rabbits with GI stasis often look bloated, pass little to no stool, and have big, gas-filled stomachs and intestines on X-rays. Blood tests often reveal evidence of dehydration and abnormal electrolyte values. There may also be changes associated with other underlying diseases (such as kidney or liver disease).