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unusual death of a rabbit

22 10:17:50

Question
My five-year old rabbit died in our backyard in his play area. He was bloated and stiff as a rock within no more than a hour on a slightly warm summer day. He was resting near a crab apple tree. We know there have been black widows in our backyard. My question is what is the likely cause of death? We think it was a poisonness spider or he got stung by a bee or other similar insects that were attracted to the crab apples. I never saw a snake in the backyard. I want to let our new rabbit play in the backyard, but I am afraid I'll find him dead too. Could it have been that our rabbit had a stroke or heart attack. I want to have the new rabbit outside unsupervised if possible so he can get out while I care for my young child.

Answer
Dear Vera,

Sorry for the delay.  We had a bit of computer down time and I'm only now able to access AllExperts.  :(

Unfortunately, without a necropsy including histopathology of all major organ tissues and a LOT more information, there is absolutely no way to determine the cause of death.  It could have been any of a dozen different things, from acute bloat to a heart attack.

It's not all that likely that a venomous spider was the culprit if this was outdoors in an open area.  I'm not sure what types of venomous snakes you might have there, but it's not likely a snake would strike and then not attempt to eat the prey.

It is never safe to have a bunny outdoors unsupervised for the sad reason you discovered.  I wish it were otherwise.  It would be safer for you to create a bunny-safe playroom where the bunny can have free running time without the fear of environmental dangers (of unknown source!) that can kill without warning.

I am very sorry about your loss.

Dana