rabbit post-partum depression

Question
Hi, my daughters rabbit , a largish and very healthy netherland dwarf, who is a great mum recently gave birth to two dead perfectly formed babies. That was about 5 days ago and even thought she has been active she is doing a lot of sitting around and not eating as much now. I am wondering if this is depression as in the past when all her litter have gone (at the approriate time) she seems to have been lithargic then too  for a while. She is definately a moody rabbit and gets grumpy if my daughter gives attention to other rabbits first. I would aprreciate your help.
Thanks Anna

Answer
Dear Anna,

I would not assume this is merely an emotional problem, though the stress of giving stillbirth could be contributing to her lethargy.  But more serious things could very likely be going on with a difficult birth like this.  She might even have undelivered babies, which could be life-threatening.

Please see:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/sickbun.html

And get your bunny to a rabbit-savvy vet ASAP.  I hope you can find one via the international listings linked here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

and I hope this helps.

Dana