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Hello Mr. Lee Meyer,
My rabbit just died yesterday, i don't know what happened, she was lying down and breathing slowly, and just couldn't stand up.. my mom and i went to the vet we asked the vet what happened? what is wrong with my rabbit? the vet said an ant bit my rabbit... is biting by an ant true that can cause a rabbit die?? please answer my question thank you..
Truly Yours;
Johrycel :)
Hi,
I am sorry to hear about your rabbit passing.
I think the best thing to do is be clear exactly about what the vet said. If you are unsure you need to ask him/her again and have them explain it to you clearly. And also have them explain the logic as to why they believe a particular kind of ant bit your rabbit and that was the primary cause of death. They should be able to explain it clearly so you can understand, that's what you pay them for.
I can't really comment one way or the other, but it might be possible, given spiders and other small venemous insects might be able to kill a rabbit with a bite and venom that cause them to go into shock or paralyze nerves. There might be an ant that can do it, but you need to discuss this with the vet until you understand the logic for their diagnosis.
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Answers by Expert:
Lee Meyer (Mr.)
Expertise
I have 7+ years of experience with House Rabbits, rescue groups, and working with shelter rabbits. I have done many educational talks about house rabbits. I have advised potential adopters, supervised bunny 'dates', fundraising/educational rabbit events, and help rabbit owners with their rabbits. I will answer questions about: general behaviors, body language, housing, toys, bunny-proofing, diet, spaying/neutering issues, nail clips, preventative measures, diet, and health questions. I will not discuss: anything that deals with rabbits for fur, food, factory-style breeding, deliberate or casual breeding by pet owners, or experimentation.
My focus is solely on rabbits as loved pets. It's why I'm a House Rabbit Society member rather than an ARBA member. If you don't view your rabbit the same way you would a pet dog or cat, please ask another expert your question.
I am not a veterinarian and cannot conclusively diagnose your rabbit. My advice does not take the place of a good rabbit vet. IF YOU THINK THERE'S A PROBLEM, DON'T WAIT FOR A REPLY, GET TO A VET IMMEDIATELY!!! Sometimes what appears to be a small problem is life-threatening.
The House Rabbit Society has references on their site for vets they have researched. There are US and international links here for vets all over the world with rabbit experience: www.rabbit.org/vets/vets.html
I recommend the following resources to all rabbit owners:
House Rabbit Society - online rabbit info (www.rabbit.org)
Book: Rabbit Health in the 21st Century 2nd Ed. by Kathy Smith
Book: House Rabbit Handbook 4th Ed. by Marinell Harriman
Experience
House Rabbit Member since 2004
Discover Your House Rabbit organizer - 2006
Rabbit Adopter since 2004
HAWS Board of Education member (rabbits) since 2005
HAWS Rabbit Volunteer since 2004
Organizations
National House Rabbit Society, Wisconsin House Rabbit Society, Humane Animal Welfare Society (HAWS), Education Board Member for Rabbits, Friends of HAWS
Education/Credentials
BSEE, MSEE (Electrical/Computer Engineering), Marquette University
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