Death of our bunny

Question
My daughter's bunny just passed away a few days ago, and it is making me crazy to know why.  She was 1 year old, and showed no signs of being ill until the day before she passed away.  My daughter said she seemed depressed...wouldn't play, just lay quietly next to her, and later when she was in her cage her front legs were limp and out to the sides.  Can you tell me what you think might have caused her untimely death?

Answer
Dear Jennifer,

The symptoms you describe are so generalized that I cannot begin to make a guess.  It could have been any of a dozen things, and without a post-mortem examination by a competent veterinarian experienced with rabbits, there is absolutely no way to know for sure.  Anyone who will tell you otherwise is making things up.   I wish it were not so.

I am sorry I was unable to help sooner.  This article might help you recognize some other things that might have gone wrong:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/sickbun.html

and if the bunny was not producing fecal pellets or eating, then please see:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/ileus.html

I am very sorry about your loss.  I wish I could have helped sooner.

Take care,

Dana