Signs of stress may include: appearing nervous (freezing, hunched up with ears flat against the body) being excessively jumpy and watchful (bulging eyes) being aggressive to people or other rabbits, particularly if the behaviour is unusual.
If it doesn't hop away from you, that does not necessarily indicate there is a problem. Bunnies have a “freeze” instinct. When danger approaches, the bunny freezes in place to keep from being detected. A rabbit that freezes like this is extremely frightened.
First feel the pulse either by placing a hand gently around your rabbit's chest or by placing a finger in the groin area. If you do not feel anything, do not assume the worst. A rabbit in shock may have a slow, faint pulse that is difficult to detect. Next lift up your rabbit's lip to check her gum color.
Hold the rabbit's mouth shut and make a seal with your mouth over the rabbit's nose. Blow five small breaths into the rabbit, just enough to see the rabbit's chest rise. Check for a heartbeat by placing your fingers on the large vein inside the rabbit's hind legs.
Warm your rabbit
If you notice symptoms of your rabbit going into shock, the first thing you want to do is warm up your rabbit. Wrap your rabbit in a towel and place them next to a heating pad or hot water bottle (but not directly on top of the hot items since that can burn a rabbit's sensitive skin).
Frostbite in rabbits
Frostbite can occur in very low temperatures which can freeze their extremities (the tips of their ears, nose and toes). Although not usually life-threatening, it can lead to hypothermia which can be fatal.
Rabbits are equipped to withstand even below freezing temperatures as long as two things are assured – they are kept out of the wind, and can stay dry at all times.
Rabbit is limp, floppy or cold
These rabbits are very, very sick and may be close to death. The common end point of dehydration, shock or sepsis is a weak floppy rabbit, often with cold ears. They tend to sit hunched in a corner and 'feel funny' when you pick them up. Wrap them up warmly and get to the vet ASAP.
The domestic rabbit, also known as the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), are prone to a multitude of infections that may cause them to die suddenly. Pathogens that may cause mortality in rabbits include those which are bacterial, viral, and protozoan.
It is clear from these results that teeth problems and digestive upsets are the two major killers of rabbits that die prematurely.
If kept frozen continuously, it will be safe indefinitely; however, quality will diminish over time. It is safe to freeze rabbit in its original packaging. For prolonged storage, overwrap as you would any food for long-term storage. For best quality, use frozen whole rabbit within a year; pieces within 9 months.
The signs of an unhappy rabbit
Bunny owners get very used to the 'thump' that can indicate a grumpy creature, but if rabbits are acting lethargic, reluctant to move and hiding away all day, then it can be cause for concern.
In the refrigerator, a whole rabbit (4 pounds) (1,816g) should thaw within 24 hours; cut-up parts require 3 to 9 hours, depending on the size and number of parts. To thaw rabbit in cold water, leave the rabbit in its original wrapping or place it in a watertight plastic bag. Change the water often.
You may find that your rabbit is more likely to sit and sleep in a loaf position when it gets cold out, instead of sprawling out or flopping on their side. This is a way for rabbits to reduce the amount of surface area on their body that's exposed to the cold. They retain more body heat in a loaf position.
Although they may look small and fragile, rabbits are surprisingly well-adapted to cold temperatures. With appropriate husbandry, a healthy adult rabbit can be comfortable in temperatures down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and can tolerate temperatures that are even lower if necessary.
It's extremely important to contact your vet straight away if you notice your rabbit is eating less than normal. There are many different problems that could have caused your rabbit to stop eating, but some of the most common include dental disease, stress, and gut problems.
ere are three options to deal with your pet's body a er he/she passes. Some people choose to take their rabbit's body home and bury him/her. Most people choose to have their rabbit cremated. With private or individual cremation, you will receive your pet's ashes back.
Often a rabbit in pain will sit hunched up, unwilling to move. A rabbit that sits hunched up, with eyes half closed, and firm teeth grinding is likely in pain and needs a vet check form filled out and supervisor notified.
Prevent Tularemia By Protecting Your Pet and Yourself
Never touch a dead rabbit or other dead wild animal you come across. Avoid, and keep your pet away from, any rabbit or other wild animal that appears sick. Never attempt to feed a rabbit or other wild animal.
Let Him Say Goodbye
Allow your rabbit the opportunity, if possible, to say goodbye to his mate by giving him time alone with the deceased rabbit's body. Many times the surviving rabbit will sniff, nudge, groom, and even hop on their mate.
Changes in that behavior are a sign of a change in health, and even death. A pet rabbit will live for between 6 and 12 years. Signs that a rabbit is near death include refusing to eat, an unusual level of lethargy, difficulty breathing, or a sudden change in vital signs.