Serious problems such as an electric shock (from a wire), eating poisonous food, or chronic health conditions are the most likely to lead to an unconscious rabbit who is laying on their side. More often rabbits who aren't feeling well will sit in a hunched position, not flopped over.
Rabbits are very intelligent animals and know how to attract the attention of their owners. Usually, rabbits play dead when they feel neglected by its owner. They are so stubborn and self-centred that if not calculated, they find other ways to get attentions.
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.
If your rabbit is quieter than normal, is sitting still and hunched up, does not want to move about, or has not eaten for more than 12 hours, contact your vet as soon as possible.
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.
As rabbits get sick and begin to fade, their vital signs will also change. Typically, this will result in a low body temperature, a weak pulse, and rapid breathing. The average rabbit body temperature should range from 101ºF – 103ºF, while the pulse should be 150-300 beats per minute.
Attentive ears
If you notice your rabbit's ears are swiveling around, following the sounds in the room, then they are most likely awake. Even when a rabbit is completely flopped over and appears to be asleep, you can tell that they are awake by watching their ears.
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).
A rabbit with ataxia may be unable to move properly. It may stagger, stumble, or fall over when attempting to move. Other neurological signs that can be seen alongside ataxia include a head tilt, or a tendency to walk in circles or fall to one side.
signs of pain, such as not wanting to be touched on parts of its body. teeth grinding. flinching. difficulty with breathing, especially if your rabbit is breathing through its mouth rather than its nose.
When rabbits suddenly flop down on their side it's a sign of a happy rabbit. Okay, it may look incredibly dramatic and looks like they've had some sort of horrible bunny seizure or tantrum, but I can I assure it's a good sign that they're content and relaxed.
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.
Paresis is defined as slight or partial paralysis. Unfortunately, companion rabbits sometimes suffer paresis of the hind limbs that makes them unable to stand with those legs, and to locomote normally.
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.
However, this won't be a leisurely or comfortable “roll” onto its side. A sick rabbit will literally 'flop' or drop in a haphazard and sometimes dramatic fashion. Unlike happy, contented bunnies, a sick rabbit will retain no tension in its body.
What Can I Do If I Suspect Floppy Bunny Syndrome In My Rabbit? The majority of rabbits affected by floppy rabbit syndrome will recover within 2 to 7 days, and it appears that the severity of the condition does affect the length of recovery time.
If your rabbit dies at home, allow the living partner to spend an hour or so with the body. This will help the living rabbit to understand and process what has happened. It will allow them to say goodbye. Sitting with your living rabbit while it says goodbye will let it know that you're grieving, too.
Keep your rabbit occupied with toys
Like most other pets, rabbits love to play with toys. Without the stimulation that playing provides, rabbits can become bored, stressed, and depressed, and may resort to destructive behaviours like chewing.
Some rabbits who get too scared will have an immediate heart attack and die, but that's actually not the most likely outcome. It's more common for rabbits to go into shock, causing their body to shut down. They will start shaking, their muscles will become limp, while their blood pressure drops dramatically.
But in reality, rabbits need it to rest and prepare for a night of activity. They sleep about 12 to 14 hours a day, according to the Ohio State University website. The most active times for rabbits are early morning, night and dusk. The rabbit is quietest during the day, usually between noon and four in the afternoon.
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.
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.