Sudden death of my rabbit

Question
I've had her for only about a month and I assume that she was only about three months old.
This morning my mum found her dead and cold in her cage with a bit of blood coming out of her nose. She was fine last night and my mum said she had a look at her and fed her a few hours earlier. I'm hoping that you would be able to give me some ideas on what could have gone wrong.
She was kept inside the house 98% of the time she's been with us. I fed her at intervals and played with her. The last two days I didn't really have any time to play with her but I still stoked her in her cage and fed her.
She was eating fine before she died but I did notice her doing sort of sneezing motions but I didn't think a lot of it.
Please help.

Answer
Dear Carol,

I am very sorry about your terrible loss.

If you are in the UK or Europe, and your rabbit was not vaccinated, she could have succumbed to VHD (Viral Hemorrhagic Disease).  This deadly disease has no cure, and is easily transmitted on just about anything, including inanimate objects.  You can read more about it here:

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=18&cat=1803&articleid=1625

It is essential that all rabbits in the UK and Europe (and other countries where the virus is common) be vaccinated.  Otherwise, the tragedy you suffered will be the result.

There are a few other things that can cause death with symptoms like this (e.g., pulmonary embolism--not likely in such a young rabbit), but the only way to know for sure is to call an experienced rabbit vet:

www.rabbit.org/vets

and ask about the procedure for a necropsy/post mortem exam.  Very careful procedures must be followed to avoid contaminating things, since the virus is so tough and hard to destroy.

VHD has been reported sporadically in the US, so if you are in the US, you *must* contact your rabbit vet and find out about proper procedures for necropsy and safe handling of the bunny's mortal remains.

I hope this helps.

Dana