Possible Cedar poisoning?

Question
Hi Kelly, I hope you can help me find a reason for my beloved rabbits death.  I have bred mini lop rabbits for two years, and have just recently rehomed all but one who I kept as a pet...a very special pet!  Teddy seemed well up until the day of his death.  The only thing I did find peculiar was that he didn't drink nearly as much water as rabbits usually drink, but because everything else about him seemed fine, I just put it down to cooler weather.  A few days before he died, he was drinking heaps.  I had fed him the night before at about 6.30, and he was quieter than usual.  He would normally come over, run circles around me buzzing, then hop up on a table next to me (I was crouching), for cuddles, then hop into his cage to eat.  But that night, he didn't, and I didn't have time to hang around waiting for him to come and see me.  And for some reason, I didn't check on him later that night, or in the morning like I usually did.  I was out all day, and it wasn't till mid afternoon when I went to see him, and found him dead. He was blue around his mouth, and had brown (would have been very runny) stuff that had leaked from his mouth and nose - it looked like there had been quite a lot as it had pooled, then drained away. Everything so far seems to be pointing towards possible liver damage from Cedar shavings.  He has always been in a big enclosure (a conservatory on the side of my house - very well ventilated), and only had the shavings in his litter tray.  His bedding was hay.  But, as rabbits do, he would nibble on the shavings from time to time. I didn't check if the shavings were toxic - I always check everything, so I don't know why I didn't check on this before I used it.  Now I find info telling me it is toxic when I'm trying to find info as to why he died so suddenly.  He was only 15mths, very happy and healthy.
Thanking you in advance,
Leanna

Answer
Leanna,

I am very sorry for your loss. Wood shavings, pine or cedar type bedding is generally regarded to not be the most desirable bedding for rabbits. They can led to liver damage in animals and should be avoided.

If a rabbit is in a solid bottom cage, an absorbent non toxic bedding such as Carefresh should be used. I know that many breeders use wire bottom cages as they lower the incidence of respiratory infections.

It sounds like you have come up with a very probable cause of death. That being said, without sending the animal to a diagnostic laboratory it would be impossible to pinpoint the actual cause. You can find a list here: http://www.addl.purdue.edu/Links/links.htm

It is very obvious that you cared deeply for this animal and I am truly sorry again for your loss.