Rabbit passed away (bonded pair)

[Ross_Scott]

One of my rabbits passed away suddenly today. Came as a shock. Leaving behind a female companion. Just looking for advice on how to comfort the now solo rabbit, things you can do to adjust. And also just seeking some comforting words in general to how resilient they are and if they can cope well.

Guess I’m writing this here to just seek a few comforting words for me and my girlfriend

Thanks

 

[Shimmer]

Sorry for your loss. It's always a shock when it's sudden.

Firstly, if you are not sure what he died from, is the female rabbit vaccinated (and is it up to date)? If not, I would get her checked over and vaccinated ASAP. If there's any chance that he had one of the rabbit viruses, then she will need keeping a close eye on. RHD causes sudden death with no warning. It's highly contagious and you would need to avoid contact with other rabbits for a few months. Without a PM it's difficult to know what actually happened, and that may still be inconclusive.

Some rabbits cope OK after losing a partner, others obviously struggle without them. Make sure she is eating, drinking, weeing and pooing normally. Rabbits that lose their appetite can quickly go into GI stasis, which requires urgent veterinary attention. It's not unusual for them to take a week or two to perk up again while they get used to being on their own, but she should be eating / pooing normally.

If she's outside and on her own, she will need some extra attention. You will also have to make sure that she's OK as it gets colder - a pair of rabbits can snuggle up to keep warm, whereas a single rabbit is more vulnerable in the depths of winter. She will need additional bedding and maybe a heat source (eg Snugglesafe microwaveable heat pads)

If she lives indoors, it's easier to keep an eye on her and provide some additional attention, although it's not the same as a rabbit friend.

Some rabbits really grieve without a companion, and only pick up when they are paired up again. That can be difficult for you as well, plus it is a big step to choose and bond to a new partner. Ultimately, rabbits are better off with another rabbit companion, but it's a matter of timing - how urgently she needs a partner, and when you are ready to open your hearts again.

 

[bunny momma]

I am so sorry for your loss. Members of RU know how devastating it can be to lose a beloved pet. Sometimes people we deal with IRL do not understand this and it can add to our grief.
You are encouraged to post a tribute to your bunny on the Rainbow bridge portion of this forum. Sending positive vibes that your remaining female will cope well with the support of you and your girlfriend.

 

[Cinnabun14]

I'm so sorry your bunny friend died. I agree that extra attention for the female will help her grieving, but it may also help you and your girlfriend too. Animals are beautiful companions in our times of struggle, even when they're having a rough time too.

 

[a reader of books]

I'm so very sorry you and your girlfriend lost your bunny, and your other bunny lost her friend, and so suddenly, too. I think Shimmer gave you really good advice. It really depends on the bunny and on the bond they had together how she'll react. Some bunnies really struggle and don't start healing until they have a new friend, while others seem to not be affected much. Either way, though, they are resilient, I think. My boy grieved deeply when we lost his friend in June, but he's happy with his new friend now. Giving her extra attention and companionship is always a good idea, though. If she's not interested in engaging with you, you can just stay close so she at least knows she's not on her own. Her favourite foods will be helpful in encouraging her to keep eating. Some people find a stuffed toy gives the remaining bunny some comfort, though mine have always ignored them, so it again depends on the bunny. I'd try to keep her busy, too, by making her search or work for her (non-hay) food, but if she doesn't want to I think it's important to give her space to grieve. I think Cinnabun is right, too, in that spending time with your remaining girl will likely be helpful for all three of you, as you grieve your bunny friend. I know I got a lot of comfort out of being with my boy as much as I could while we were both grieving.

 

[Ross_Scott]

Thanks for kind words. It all happened abit sudden. They did X-rays to show nothing was wrong inside his stomach.

He was eating at 10.30am and then by 5pm he went shaky and I rushed him to vet. He didn’t make it.

Not really sure what happened or what he was hiding. He was only 3 years old. Spent the day sort of being abit less hyper than normal and was chilling in his little tunnel.

So abit of shock at how sudden it all was

 

[a reader of books]

I'm so sorry. That does sound like a shock. Bunnies are so good at hiding things, sometimes it's already too late by the time they show any signs of something being wrong, even when we do the right thing by rushing them to the vets like you did. It's so hard when it happens so suddenly, and when they're so young as well. My heart goes out to you and your girlfriend.