Heart attacks and heart issues are nothing to play around with, especially when it comes to your bunnies.
Unfortunately, rabbits are quicker to suffer from fatal heart issues than other homestead animals or pets due to their natural nervousness as natural prey animals.
In this post, we’ll discuss rabbit heart attacks, touching on common causes, the link between fear and heart health, congestive heart failure, and what steps you can take if your beloved bunny experiences a cardiac event, so read on!
Heart Attacks And Rabbits
A heart attack is the death or damage of heart muscle due to insufficient blood supply to the heart. And any animal with a heart can experience a fatal heart attack, which means rabbits are surely at risk.
As natural prey animals, rabbits are pretty high strung. Their resting heart rate is anywhere from 180 to 350 beats per minute (for contrast, the average human resting heart rate is only 60 to 100 beats per minute).
And if you’re raising rabbits, you are probably well aware that these little creatures are sensitive and easy to scare! It truly doesn’t take much for a rabbit’s hard working heart to become overworked or experience damage due to high stress or poor diet.
Common Causes of Heart Attacks In Rabbits
It can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of a heart attack in a rabbit, but some common ones include:
- Long Term Stress
When rabbits experience significant stress, it can lead to a surge in adrenaline and other stress hormones. This sudden hormonal rush can strain their cardiovascular system, potentially leading to a heart attack.
- Assumed Predation
If your rabbit thinks it is being preyed on, it can trigger a flight response that leads to a shock state that overworks their heart.
- Poor Diet
Fatty foods and sugary foods will act to weaken the overall cardiovascular system of your rabbits. Stick to a high fiber, 100% raw plant diet for strong and healthy bunnies!
- Physical Inactivity
An inactive bunny is also more prone to heart issues, as congestion and issues with circulation can occur due to a sedentary lifestyle. This is why we ensure our bunnies get outside to play and run around for at least an hour a day. We also suggest a rabbit tractor, which keeps your rabbits naturally active!
Why Do Rabbits Have Heart Attacks When Scared
The relationship between fear and heart health in rabbits is a fascinating one.
When a rabbit is frightened, its body enters a “fight or flight” mode, an ancient survival mechanism shared by many animals, including humans. This response involves the release of stress hormones, which prepare the body to respond to a perceived threat.
Depending on the situation and the age and health of your rabbit, a stressful event could push their body over into heart attack or heart failure.
This is especially true for chronically stressed bunnies, those which are very nervous, do not easily relax, or are new!
If you’ve got a stressed rabbit on your hands and need to try to relax them, read our post on How To Calm A Rabbit Down for our best rabbit soothing tips.
Rabbit Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure is a serious condition that can affect rabbits. In fact, heart issues and rabbit cardiovascular disease have become more common in domesticated rabbits!
Heart failure in rabbits occurs when the heart’s ability to pump blood is compromised, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs or other parts of the body.
In rabbits, this can be caused by various factors, including genetic predisposition, age, diet, and overall health. The anatomy of the rabbits respiratory system is unique as well, as they are obligate nasal breathers. It is essential to ensure that a stressed rabbit is breathing and has no blockage in their nasal passages!
As a rabbit raiser, it’s important to recognize the signs of congestive heart failure, which include:
- Labored breathing
- Lethargy
- Reduced appetite
Note that these are pretty general symptoms and that many rabbits do not show signs of heart failure until it is too late, so please seek immediate veterinary care if you suspect your bunny is suffering from heart failure or cardiovascular disease.
The National Library Of Medicine has a great research article on cardiovascular disease in rabbits, I suggest giving it a good read!
What To Do If Your Bunny Has A Heart Attack
Witnessing your bunny experience a heart attack can be very distressing and may feel hopeless, but there are steps you can take to help them!
- Try to keep calm – your rabbit can pick up on your emotions, and a soothing presence can have a positive impact.
- Contact a veterinarian immediately and monitor your rabbit to ensure they keep breathing. Placing your bunny in a quiet, dimly lit area to minimize stress is also helpful, but realize that picking your rabbit up may actually stress them out more.
We do not suggest trying to do anything more. Any heart issues your rabbit is having are pretty serious and professional medical attention is crucial in such situations!
What Is The Most Common Cause Of Death In Rabbits
Heart attacks, while a concern, is not really the most common cause of death in domestic rabbits.
Rather, gastrointestinal stasis, often referred to as GI stasis is a very common condition where a rabbit’s digestive system slows down or stops functioning altogether.
This can lead to a host of health issues and, if left untreated, is fatal. GI stasis can kill a rabbit quickly; it must be taken just as seriously as a heart attack!
To prevent GI stasis, ensure your rabbit has a high fiber diet, proper hydration, and ample opportunities for exercise.
Frequently Asked Questions Related To Can Rabbits Have Heart Attacks
What Is The Cause If A Rabbit Dies Suddenly With Eyes Open?
This is a tough question to answer, as many things could be going on with a rabbit that dies suddenly with its eyes open. A possibility is shock, as wide eyes and labored breathing is a sure sign of being close to deadly shock in rabbits.
What Causes Sudden Death In Rabbits?
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease virus 2 (RHDV2) is incredibly deadly, and most rabbits that contract it die suddenly. Read more about serious rabbit diseases in our post All About Rabbit Diseases.
Final Thoughts On Can Rabbits Have Heart Attacks
In conclusion, while rabbits can indeed experience heart attacks, it’s important to understand the underlying causes and take steps to minimize stressors in their environment.
Keeping your rabbit happy, healthy, and well-cared-for can go a long way in reducing the risk of heart-related issues. Remember, a vigilant eye, a calm demeanor, and prompt veterinary care are the best tools in ensuring your furry friend lives a long and vibrant life!