he just died

Question
September 13, 2010...MY rabbit Sugarcookie was almost 2 yrs old. Recently neutered about a month ago(no infection). Was eating normally, good pellets, timothy ox bow hay, organic veggies and fruit in moderation and the correct ones. Had safe chew sticks. He lived indoors. Had unlimited porch exercise, was litter box trained (the kind that fits in a corner and the peepee and poop goes through the grate, so no litter). He drank from a glass(not plastic) water bottle and always fresh distilled water made daily. This morning he  had his small morning fruit of banana and was served his scoop of carefresh pellets. He was peeing and pooping normally, he was exercising normally, no runny nose, no fever, nothing, friendly as ever.... then he just DROPPED DEAD. I did everything in the world to do the right thing, my last bunny lived almost 12 years, I am crushed. I can not think of a thing I did wrong..... Can you?

Answer
Dear Stacey,

When someone is blind-sided by a death like this, the only thing we bystanders can say is:  I am so sorry about your friend.  And also that I have been in your shoes, and know exactly how you feel.  That's why I also know why you are automatically turning the blame on yourself for something that was NOT your fault, and that you could not have foreseen.

When a bunny dies like this, there is often some underlying, cryptic problem that cannot be detected.  He may have had a congenital heart problem, may have thrown a blood clot (embolism), or any number of related types of things that can cause sudden, unexplained death.

The only way to know for sure what might have happened would be via necropsy, and even that might not reveal anything obvious.  A stroke, or embolism might be hard to detect without real forensic-type veterinary work.

But please be assured that you were doing everything right, and this type of thing is very rare occurrence.  I know it doesn't make it any easier to take.  Maybe even the contrary.  But at least please take comfort in knowing that even if your friend's life was far too short, he at least had a life full of love and being spoiled and excellent care.  Most bunnies never have even the touch of a loving hand.  Your bunny had happiness every day of his life, and his quick, sudden death also means that he didn't suffer the long, debilitating deaths I've seen so many times.

Yes, he should have lived much longer.  But what life he had was splendid because of you.

I am sorry for your loss.

Take care,
Dana