2 dead rabbits

Question
we have just bought a new baby bunny a week ago, and i have just found it dead at the bottom of the hutch, this is the second rabbit this has happened to in a month, the rabbit doesn't seem under any stress and shows no symptoms but they have a fit and have diarrhea they fit for about ten minutes and die led on there side, do you have any idea what this could mean as this is a serious concern for the other 3 rabbits we have.

Answer
Hello,

Since both deaths were sudden and within such a short period of time, you need to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible. Tell your veterinarian the situation and that you are want to rule out VHD -- Viral Hemmorrhagic Disease.

It is extremely important that you take these steps as an outbreak is very serious. Hopefully that is not the case. There are other illnesses that may cause these symptoms before a sudden death. However, it is better to err on the side of caution.

I am going to include some links about the illness:
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=18&cat=1803&articleid=1625
http://www.isabellevets.co.uk/health_advice/rabbit/info/viralhaemorrhagic.htm
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=2045

Hopefully it is not VHD. It could also either be Enterotoxemia or Muciod Enteritis. Without sending the deceased animals to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory, there is not a way to know for sure. Once again, it is better to err on the side of caution.

Good luck! I would like to know how this progresses! Keep in touch!