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My bunny is acting like it's dying and won't eat. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Rabbit | Male | 2 years and 3 months old | 20 lbs

Hi, why my bunny feel dying and it can't eat

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Katie Sabella, DVM, CCRP

Veterinarian, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on June 15th, 2017

Sunshine looks very, very sick from your pictures and I am incredibly concerned about him. He needs veterinary medical attention immediately. While I'm not sure what's going on with him, rabbits rarely lay on their sides with their eyes closed. As prey animals, they usually sleep crouched, ready to go at any moment and are easily rousable and alert. A rabbit that is not eating usually has something pretty serious that is making him sick. Rabbits eat continuously to keep their digestive tracts healthy and moving at all times - this is one of the reasons they poop so much! Dental disease is very common and can cause painful mouth sores that may stop a rabbit from eating, but we can also see kidney disease, bladder stones, and intestinal diseases that can be life-threatening and painful that will cause a rabbit to stop eating. Regardless, I am very worried about Sunshine and recommend you take him to your veterinarian immediately. He or she will likely recommend fluids to help with dehydration, especially if he hasn't been eating or drinking, and may suggest blood work and/or x-rays to evaluate his internal organ function and look for things like bladder stones or a bowel impaction. Please take Sunshine to see your veterinarian as soon as possible to give him the best possible chance.

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