Can a bunny die from stress?

Question
I have heard a lot of stories about rabbits defense mechanism being dying!?! I know they get very scared very easily, but can they actually give themselves a heart attack?? Also, a few  years ago my little cousin picked up my 1 year old bunny by her ears, not realizing this would hurt her, and the bunny made a sound somewhat like screaming or squealing. The bunny seemed perfectly fine afterwards, playing and eating and everything but when I checked on her the next morning she was dead! Could she have died from the shock or something? Please let me know. Thank you!

Answer
Hi Kristel

Yes rabbits can die from stress.  If a predator walks into their area they can literally scare themselves to death.  I can't explain why it happens perhaps its to save them the pain from an attack but it does happen and more often than you would think.

The bunny that was picked up by the ears most likely got a spinal injury when it was picked up.  The reason it squealed is because it was hurt.  Rabbits are very good at masking their pain because again it helps them to avoid predators.  I can't say for sure without an autopsy of course but if I had to take a guess that would be it.  It probably made the scream of death from the pain whether it was in the back or neck or wherever.  It went on to act normal because its instincts tell it to act normal or I will be eaten by a fox.  Rabbits have the most amazing instincts.  If you get some time it is really fun to do research on them.  It sounds like you have been doing some anyway.  

If you have any more questions please let me know

Thank you

Pam