Bunny wont eat, lying on side, kicking, and throwing head back at 90 degree angle

Question
Hi Pam,

I am in Shanghai, China for the summer and my roommate and I bought two dwarf bunnies within a week of each other. The second one we bought died two days ago, we don't know of what-- when I took it out of its cage it hopped to an empty space and then seemed to fall asleep-- the next thing I saw was that it had fell on its side and when I tried to put it upright, it started twitching, kicking, and throwing its head back. Over the next three hours it stayed like this, gradually relaxing a little but then started to gasp for air for about 1/2 an hour... then it died.

The first bunny we bought seemed to be doing fine-- until this morning. It seemed lethargic, its front right and back left paws were limp and it looked like a seal, splayed out on the floor. Trying to make it stand up made it lapse into the same kinds of seizures/kicking/head tilting that our other bunny had engaged in, so I left it alone. Before I left for work it seemed to be okay-- not eating any of the food we'd cut for it but perching in its usual position and seemingly asleep.

We were not sure how old they were when we got them, and it might be possible that they were not in good health to begin with, as we bought them from a street vendor. We have been feeding them greens, with carrots and apples in sparing amounts on the side-- we've had no access to hay or pellets despite visiting over three pet shops, and I don't want to feed it grass from random residential parks-- could be contaminated with pesticides and other chemicals.

Anyways, I am at work right now and cannot go home-- so I have high doubts that our bunny will make it through the day (our first bunny died within four hours of first starting to kick, etc). But what have we done wrong, so that in the future, the same thing will not happen again?

Thank you so much for your help,
Crystal

Answer
Hi Crystal

If your bunny is still alive when you get home you need to rush it to a vet.  It may very well have been poisoned by pesticides, house plants or other toxins.  Apple seeds contain cyanide.  If you feed a rabbit apples you have to cut the seeds out and make sure that they are only used on rare occasion as a treat.

Honestly I can't say what happened to your poor bunnies.  A street vendor is certainly not the most reliable place to get a rabbit.  They need proper feed.  They can't be taken away from their mothers before 8 weeks and since you have no idea what the age or condition of the bunnies was when you got them there is really no certain answer.  I understand that you live in China.  Yet I am sure that there are animal shelters or even responsible breeders where you can get a bunny that would be healthy.

I am very sorry for the loss of your rabbit.  It is tragic no matter how long you had them.  Unfortunately I can't point you to a good vet in your location.

Before you get another bunny I strongly suggest that you read this site:

http://www.rabbit.org

It has everything you need to know including feeding, health, how to find a vet, proper care etc.

I wish I could help you further.  Again I am truly sorry for your loss.

Sincerely,


Pam