My bunny Peanut passed away early this morning, and I feel so guilty. He was perfectly fine on Monday—bouncing around, eating, drinking, and playing. But by Tuesday, he was quieter, only ate a little, and his droppings were smaller than usual. I even felt his tummy, and it didn’t seem empty. He still played a little and ate some herbs out of my hand, so I didn’t want to stress him out by syringe feeding him. I left him some critical care in a bowl before bed. But when I found him this morning, it was too late. He didn’t move around much overnight and probably passed not long after I left him. I just can’t help but wonder if I should have done more. He was only a year and a half old… does anyone think it could’ve made a difference?
Losing a family member is devastating, especially when they can’t tell us what’s wrong. It feels so unfair, and the guilt is heavy. I’m really sorry for your loss. It’s a big one. When my cat passed in 2021, I felt like I’d never get over it. Time helped, though, and eventually, the grief lessened. Be kind to yourself—this pain will ease, but for now, just honor Peanut’s memory. You did your best. 
@Riley
Thank you for sharing this. It really helps to know others have gone through this too. You’re right, the only way is through it. 
Lin said:
@Riley
Thank you for sharing this. It really helps to know others have gone through this too. You’re right, the only way is through it.
Time will help. I’m so sorry. Losing a bunny is just the worst. They’re such delicate little beings. I had a bunny at school and when she passed, the kids were devastated.
Bunnies are so fragile. When they start to get sick, it’s often too late. You did nothing wrong. Rabbits don’t fight sickness like other pets do, and the outcome likely would’ve been the same, even if you’d done something different. Don’t blame yourself, please. Take time to process this without adding guilt. Focus on the love you two shared. My heart is with you.
@Finnley
Thank you. I know how fast stasis can take hold. I just keep thinking that maybe syringe-feeding him would’ve helped, but then again, it might not have. He was so young, and it was such a shock. 
@Lin
I completely understand. I lost one of my best buns at just two years old. Came home from work, and he was gone. Sometimes there’s just no explanation, and it’s heartbreaking. Just remember that you gave Peanut the best life possible.
Sorry, OP. Losing a pet is never easy. 
Rabbits love to chew, and Peanut might’ve ingested something toxic. I lost a cat once after he ate a spider. Despite vet care, his digestive system couldn’t recover. I’m so sorry your bunny passed away so young, but it sounds like he had loving care. 
@Charlie
Wait, what kind of spider was that? My cat’s always eating spiders, and now I’m freaking out. I live in the UK, though, so I don’t think we have venomous spiders?
Indigo said:
@Charlie
Wait, what kind of spider was that? My cat’s always eating spiders, and now I’m freaking out. I live in the UK, though, so I don’t think we have venomous spiders?
I’m in the U.S., and the vet thought it was a Black Widow. It caused severe inflammation in his stomach, and he couldn’t keep anything down. It was so painful to watch, and I still miss him terribly.
@Charlie
That sounds awful. Poor kitty. I’m so sorry you both went through that.
I lost two bunnies to GI blockages within months of each other, despite years of diligent care. It’s devastating how fragile they are, and after that, I couldn’t bring myself to adopt more. It’s hard not knowing what caused the blockages, but I know it wouldn’t change anything. Rabbits have so much personality, and it’s painful to lose them. I’m so sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s hard when our pets can’t tell us what’s wrong. You did everything you could, and it’s clear you were a loving pet parent. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Peanut was happy and loved, and that’s what matters. 
I’m so sorry for your loss. There’s no way to know for sure if anything could’ve made a difference, and it’s out of your control now. Please be kind to yourself.
Same thing happened with my bunny. She acted strange for a day, then the next morning, she was gone. Rabbits are incredibly fragile creatures. I’m so sorry that this happened. It just sucks.
You didn’t do anything wrong. I’m so sorry for your loss.
OP, I’m really sorry for your loss. Bunnies are incredibly good at hiding symptoms until it’s too late. It’s just part of their prey instincts. From what you described, you did everything right. There’s no way you could’ve known things would turn out like this. Try to take comfort in knowing you gave him a happy life.
This happened to my bunny too. You just never know what’s going on with them sometimes. It’s heartbreaking, but you didn’t do anything wrong.
Unfortunately, small pets like bunnies are very fragile, and they tend to hide illnesses until it’s too late. I’ve lost several rabbits this way. I’m so sorry for your loss, but you didn’t do anything wrong.