SUDDEN DEATH OF WELL RABBIT

Question
HELLO. MY BEAUTIFUL LION HEAD RABBIT, BARLEE(ONLY 2 YEARS OLD) DIED IN MY ARMS YESTERDAY MORNING AND I AM DEVASTATED. HE LIVES INDOORS AND WAS PART OF THE FAMILY.  HE HAD THE RUN OF DOWNSTAIRS AND LOVED THE GARDEN. THE NIGHT BEFORE HE DIED HE WAS FINE. RUNNING AROUND THE GARDEN, HAVING A CUDDLE BEFORE BED TIME AND EATING AND DRINKING FINE.  I CAN NOT ACCEPT THAT HE IS GONE AND AM LOOKING FOR ANSWERS THAT ARE PROBABLY NOT THERE.  HE HAD HIS TEETH OUT THREE WEEKS AGO AND WAS CASTRATED AND HAS BEEN ABSOLUTELY FINE.  I ALSO GAVE HIS HIND A LITTLE WASH AT THE WEEK END AS HE SAT IN HIS POO. I CANT HELP THINKING IT WAS ME WASHING HIM.  PLEASE HELP.  ONE VERY VERY UPSET MUM


Answer
Actually, the fact that you washed him due to poop on his bottom is probably an essential clue. It is not from the bath, but if rabbits have poop stuck to their bottoms, it is usually a sign of intestinal distress. Digestive problems are the number one killer of rabbits. Any sign of digestive problem should be considered serious (I know that does not help now, but in the future if you have another rabbit), and if it does not clear up right away (or if the rabbit is acting abnormal in any other way such as eating or drinking less or being less active), it is a good idea to see a vet.

Many times these problems can also be prevented by providing plenty of fibre in the diet. Fresh hay is essential. A bit of rolled oats in the diet is also excellent for helping keep everything working well.