8 Signs Your Rabbit May Be Dying (Vet Answers)

Content

• How to tell if a rabbit is dying.
• 1. They stop eating.
• 2. They stop drinking.
• 3. They block the passage of the mill.
• 4. They feel cold.
• 5. They are not moving much.
• 6. Their breathing is different.
• 7. They are less responsive.
• 8. They are unable to stand.
• 9. They are making strange noises.
• How to save a dying rabbit
• Deaths
• How to Comfort a Dying Rabbit
• Result

If you've owned a rabbit in the past, you know how quickly their health can deteriorate. Rabbits can go downhill so fast that they can be really well one minute and on death's door the next. Since they are not the most robust pets, it is very important as a pet parent to familiarize yourself with the signs that all is not well with your rabbit.

If you can pick out the early signs that could indicate something more serious, your chances of saving your rabbit are much better, and even if nothing can be done. So, how can you tell if your rabbit may be seriously ill, and in danger of dying?

How to tell if a rabbit is dying.

Here are some signs to look for that may suggest your rabbit is indeed sick.

1. They stop eating.

Rabbits are grazers. Constantly they eat to keep their guts healthy. A healthy rabbit will eat dates like hay, along with small amounts of kibble and fresh leaves or vegetables. To stay healthy, they must keep eating, to keep their guts moving and digesting as well as making caecotrophs (faecal balls of food that are ingested to maintain intestinal health). Therefore, loss of appetite can quickly lead to a condition known as gut stasis, where the gut stops working.

In addition to resulting in not eating, intestinal stasis can sometimes cause loss of appetite. Monitoring your rabbit's appetite is an important part of caring for them as a pet.

2. They stop drinking.

Like all living things, rabbits need water to survive. Every rabbit is different, and some may drink from a bowl while others prefer to drink from a water bottle. However, if you notice that your rabbit's water doesn't need to be refilled as often, or if you don't see them drinking normally, you should contact a veterinarian. Dehydration can happen quickly, especially in hot weather, and it can quickly become fatal.

3. They block the passage of the mill.

Like loss of appetite, loss of substance production is also a very important symptom in rabbits. This is because it is also a sign of intestinal stasis (also known as ileus). If your rabbit stops producing a lot of litter, he could be very sick, even within 24 hours.

4. They feel cold.

Rabbits are not very good at controlling or maintaining their body temperature. In a crisis, their circulatory system will work harder to focus blood supply to vital organs such as the heart, lungs and brain. Therefore, you will find that their ears, paws and nose are cold to the touch.

5. They are not moving much.

Rabbits are quite active. They often have bursts of energy where they roam, and even when they feel low on energy, they are usually pottering about grazing. If your rabbit doesn't come to greet you when he's not usually interested in hanging out, it could be a sign that he's very sick.

6. Their breathing is different.

Rabbits are prey animals, which means they have to be very damaged, injured, or under a lot of stress before their behavior overcomes their weakness. If you notice that your rabbit is breathing slower faster, with an open mouth, or  with nose, these may be signs that your rabbit is sick very .

In particular, rabbits are prone to an airway infection called "snoring", which can be very serious. So, don't be tempted to ignore any breathing concerns you have, contact your veterinarian right away.

7. They are less responsive.

Is your rabbit able to focus on you? Are they interacting normally with their environment? If they are less responsive, it may mean they are traumatized or misguided. This could mean that the blood supply to vital organs is insufficient, they are weak from dehydration, or they have a condition affecting the brain, such as the parasite E. cuniculi.

8. They are making strange noises.

Although rabbits sometimes make some noises, they are essentially silent animals. You can hear them grind their teeth when you're stressed, and they can scream when they're stressed or scared. But when they are very sick and close to death, they can also make strange moaning or screaming sounds

How to save a dying rabbit

If you notice any signs that your rabbit is not quite well, it's important to act quickly to give them the best chance of survival. The most important things you can monitor at home are how much your rabbit is eating and how much poo it is producing. It's also important to monitor their drinking, either by making sure you watch them drink or by monitoring how often you have to refill their water.

If your rabbit is showing signs that it may be really sick, you should contact a veterinarian immediately for an urgent appointment. If you are able, you can try putting water and syringeable food into their mouths. However, it's important to make sure they're conscious enough to get food and water before you try, otherwise they risk aspiration. You should try to keep them warm, by wrapping them in warm blankets and using a wheat bag or other pet-safe heat source.

Once at the clinic, your doctor will be able to perform a thorough examination to try to determine the cause of your hives symptoms. If needed, they will also start heat therapy, give warm fluids through a drip, and provide pain relief. Your rabbit may also need medication to get their courage back up or help with other medical treatments.

Deaths

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to save a sick rabbit, especially if the symptoms are severe. If the vet feels that your rabbit is too ill to recover, or that they are in too much pain, they may recommend putting them to sleep. Although this is a devastating decision, because all pets are part of the family, it is sometimes the best option for them.

How to Comfort a Dying Rabbit

If you think your rabbit is suddenly very ill and may be dying, you should take them to the vet immediately. Even if you think there is nothing that can be done, the vet will be able to relieve the pain or help them pass peacefully and comfortably.

However, if you know your rabbit is nearing the end of his days but you need some time for him, there are steps you can take to make his final days as comfortable as possible. can do First, you should make sure that food and water are freely available to them. If they are off their food, you can try offering them their favorite tasty treats. You should also make sure they are warm and comfortable, perhaps by bringing them indoors if they are usually outside, and by providing plenty of comfortable bedding.

Finally, if they are used to contact you can give them plenty of hugs, strokes, and general tender loving care. On the other hand, it's worth remembering that if your rabbit doesn't normally enjoy human contact, they may prefer not to be disturbed.

Result

If you have a pet rabbit, it's important to know their habits so you can spot early signs if something is wrong. Monitoring their food intake, water intake, and bowel output are all important parts of rabbit care and allow you to seek veterinary advice as soon as anything changes. Rabbits can become very ill very quickly, so getting veterinary help quickly will give you the best chance of ensuring your rabbit continues a healthy, happy life.