My rabbit isn't stiff. Is it really gone? Does rigor mortis vary?

Question

I'm not sure if my rabbit has passed or not, she has shown all the signs of being deceased for the past 15 hours except she never became rigid and remained warm for roughly 12 hours. I was away from her for about 7 hours, from when I discovered her immobile and not breathing to when I first checked on her. But from my understanding of rigor mortis, 7 hours isn't nearly enough time to run the complete cycle on a large (10lb) rabbit. Does rigor mortis always make the body stiff? Pet's info: Small Animal | Rabbit | Female | spayed | 5 years old | 10 lbs

Todd Cecil · Accepted Answer

Sorry for the circumstances. Rigor mortis can vary depending on animals and environmental temperatures. The body can become stiff and then muscle can relax again. You might want to visit a veterinarian to determine is there is still a heart beat. Also a necropsy can possibly determine a cause of death. Sorry again.

My rabbit isn't stiff. Is it really gone? Does rigor mortis vary?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?

My pet has red spots all over. What's causing them and what to do?

My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?

My dwarf hamster has a shut eye and is limping. What should I do?

Share