Daisy died

[gmajane]

My Granddaughter who had been living with us moved to southern California to live with my son and family. We sent Daisy, her Holland Lop along in the car. She seemed to be fine with some times out to run, but on arriving in California, my granddaughter took her out to run in the yard, but soon after Daisy was put back in her crate, she just rolled over and died. My son does not put chemicals on his lawn. It is new sod several months ago. Any ideas what happened.

 

[Blue eyes]

So sorry to hear. I'm not sure how long chemicals remain in grass. I'd bet that any sod is heavily treated while being grown. Just don't know if that could have been a factor.

Stress could also possibly have played a part. After the road trip it would generally be advised to put bunny directly into her cage to allow her to destress from the trip. I wouldn't have let her out of the cage (even inside the new home) for at least 1 week. All those new changes can be overwhelming for a rabbit.

 

[gmajane]

That is what I was wondering about the sod and about the stress of the new place. I feel bab about Daisy, but mostly sad for Emmy to lose her special friend. Thank you for responding.....

 

[Moonshadow]

Was she vaccinated for rhdv? I doubt that played a role in this case but I’ve heard it’s in California right now. Sorry for the loss

 

[gmajane]

Thank you. Do they get that from wild rabbits?

 

[Moonshadow]

Yes, but it can actually spread on anything. It’s a contact virus so even walking through grass it can carry on shoes.

 

[Johndxu]

Fertilizer will be applied on new sod before harvest. Pestcide and weedkiller are likely applied on soil before the new sod is laying on it.

 

[Nancy McClelland]

So sorry for your loss. It just could have been her time, as they are with us for such a short period. We've had some pas that weren't very old with no symptoms at all--fine that morning and gone in the afternoon--it just happens.

 

[LadyGrey]

Heatstroke will kill a rabbit very quickly, that or some other traumatic injury. Sorry for your loss.

 

[ArtistChibi]

I'm truly sorry for the loss. Judging by location, I would suspect either the trip itself or RHDV. Was Daisy eating before being let outside? There's also the bit about the "sod". As mentioned before because it's pretreated when purchased. Can an autopsy be performed by a certified pet coroner? How old was Daisy, anyway?

 

[gmajane]

Daisy was only 5 months old.... so sad. I am wondering about the sod too.

 

[ISAC QUIN HOOER]

So Sorry for your loss. My first thought is she died from stress. taking a trip is stressful for a rabbit. I agree with @Blue eyes . i think the combined stress of traveling + the new climate + running/exercise in a unfamiliar place isn't good.

 

[gmajane]

Thanks for your responses. They are helpful.

 

[ISAC QUIN HOOER]

No problem.

 

[gmajane]

When the time is right, I will get a new rabbit. Emmy's uncle where she lives now is thinking of getting a dog, so they won't get another rabbit. I miss Daisy.