Losing a rabbit

For your rabbit
When your rabbit loses their bonded companion, they will grieve, too. Rabbits can create very strong bonds with their mate or companion. Many experts suggest that the surviving mate be allowed to see the body to help them understand what has happened. Each rabbit will handle the death differently. Make sure to watch your rabbit closely after, as some may get depressed and stop eating.

If your surviving rabbit has not lost interest in their deceased partner after leaving them together for more than 4 hours, it is best to remove the body for hygienic reasons. Rub a blanket, stuffed animal, or towel over the deceased partner to transfer their scent onto the object, and the surviving rabbit may get some comfort when left with the remaining scent.

The following are some links with more information of how to deal with your bunny's grief.
 * Marinell Harriman. Pet Loss Support For Your Rabbit
 * Joy Gioia. (2002). And the Love Goes On
 * Nancy LaRoche. When a Rabbit Loses a Friend
 * BunnyHugga. (2010). Bereavement in rabbits
 * Susan Curtiss. (2008). Bonding a rabbit after the death of a spouse

Necropsy
A necropsy is a surgery performed after death in an effort to determine the cause of death. This may be useful in helping owners whose rabbits died suddenly and unexpectedly to gain a sense of closure.

The following links include more information about the procedure on rabbits.
 * Mary E. Cotter. (2012). Necropsy: Knowledge After Death
 * Zooh Corner. The Value of the Necropsy
 * Colorado House Rabbit Society. (2012). Necropsy or Not
 * Frances Harcourt-Brown. Post mortem examination
 * Inconclusive results from post-mortem examination
 * Causes of rapid death