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Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Sudden death after Calicivirus vaccination

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    • Talia+Joey
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        Hi all,

        First time poster under devastating circumstances.

        Yesterday afternoon I took my new 3 month old Netherland Dwarf x Lop Talia to the vet for her first check up and Calicivirus vaccination. The vet cleared her health wise and said she was a healthy rabbit and gave her the vaccination. Today she started being more lethargic and showing disinterest in food. I started giving her critical care and and the medications left over from when my elderly bunny went into G.I stasis after speaking to my vet who advised the dosages for Talia and to let him know how she is going tomorrow. Tonight she suddenly started having seizures and just going all floppy before passing away in my arms. 

        I guess I’m just wondering has anyone else had this happen to their rabbit after being vaccinated or heard of it happening? I’ve only had her for such a short time and the loss is devasting and absolutely heartbreaking especially as she helped me through the loss of my oldest rabbit who passed away a few months ago.

        Especially as I only recently lost my 9 year old Netherland dwarf Coco to E. Cuniculi and my 8 year old Mini Rex Joey is going through dental issues and is booked in for surgery on the 17th to have her teeth filed down – after a long struggle to get her healthy enough to have this procedure as she had G.I stasis, snuffles and the dental issues happen all at once. I guess you could say its all happening at once and I never expected to lose Talia so suddenly who always appeared so happy and healthy until today.


      • Bunny House
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          I’m so sorry for your loss.
          We don’t have vaccines where I live but all I can think would be it was put into her vein instead of the muscle, had a bad reaction to some compound in the vaccine or it may have been coincidence that she started to have seizures after the vaccine. Since she was so young, she could have had something congenital. Did you get a necropsy done? That would be the only way to see what caused the death.


        • Bam
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            I’m very sorry this happened. I’m guessing you are in Australia because you say calicivirus. We have two Australian forum leaders, I will alert them to this thread.

            It’s incredibly sad.


          • Talia+Joey
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              No necropsy yet, I have informed my vet however still waitng to hear back from him today as its still early in the mornng on a Sunday, but he’s pretty accessible by phone or email.

              And yes that’s correct I’m in Australia Bam.

              Thank you both for your condolencees. I’m devasted but hopefully will be able to find some answers as to what could have happened as she seemd so healthy in her short young life.


            • jerseygirl
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                Oh, Im really sorry. Binky Free, little Talia.
                Im really glad you are able to keep in contact with the vet. Hopefully he can shed some light on it. I can only think perhaps she had an underlying condition that couldn’t be detected in a normal exam?

                I know the vaccine, cylap, is given subcutaneously and does have some side effects but these are usually a skin reaction or sometimes cause the front leg or foot to become temporarily limp.   They can also be a bit off the next day and have low appetite. I noticed my rabbits did ok with their first vaccination, but it was the boosters that they reacted to, not quite being themselves the next day.

                I wish we had better alternative vaccine like they do in the UK. My vet told me the forumla for cylap has changed in past year and is a bit better then it was.

                The seizure you describe is common when a rabbit is passing away. I know how distressing that can be to see, it’s all very quick and you can feel pretty helpless. Im so sorry she couldn’t be with you longer. xx

                ETA: Im having a friend send me photos on the info that comes with the vial of vaccine. It may be later in the day. I used to have the leaflet but I must have thrown it out. 


              • Talia+Joey
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                  Thank you jerseygirl. After speaking with the vet back and forth throughout today I’m taking Talia’s body into the clinic tomorrow morning for a post mortem as he’s perplexed as to how she could have passed away so suddenly. So will hopefully have some answers to my little baby’s sudden passing.

                  I would love to see that information on the vaccine at least it will help me have a better idea for any future new additions to the bunny family that may come along. Talia was behaving off and had a decreased appetite, however it all seemed to bounce back in the evening before she suddenly passed away. Fingers crossed tomorrow brings more answers than questions.


                • meridiian
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                    Hello

                    Only just read your post. I’m really sorry you lost little Talia.

                    I’m in Australia also. It’s very sad to hear such a young, healthy bunny passed away under these circumstances. You were doing the right thing to have her
                    vaccinated. I really feel for you.

                    Binky free (((Talia))) Gone way too soon.

                    xx


                  • jerseygirl
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                      Sorry to get back to you so late with the leaflet photos. It doesn’t really give more info, Im afraid. The 2nd side is more to do with safety precautions for humans.
                      http://imgur.com/extpgmZ
                      http://imgur.com/ZaW7Xqv
                      http://imgur.com/kFhWHoe

                      It would be worth asking your vet if they have seen an increase in calici cases in your area. It’s possible Talia could have already contracted the virus.


                    • Talia+Joey
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                        Thank you Jerseygirl much appreciated! I spoke with my vet when I dropped Talia off this morning to have the post-mortem and he’ll send of a sample to be tested for Calicivirus, but it could take a month before it comes back with the result. Hopefully I’ll have some answers this afternoon and that its nothing contagious as poor old Joey is already going through a battle of her own.

                        Thank you also Meridiian for you’re condolences. She’ll be dearly missed, but forever loved


                      • Talia+Joey
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                          Just thought I would give a quick update.

                          Joey my eldest bunny tragically passed away in similiar circumstances early yesterday morning. Emergency vet suspects that it is calicivirus but my vet has conducted another post mortem and sent samples to be laboratory tested so its just a matter of waiting for those results now. for both Talia and Joey. Especially as we both don’t know how they came into contact with the calicivirus as I’m super careful with everything they touch and the places they go. Whatever it is its definitely a fast acting virus and at least allowed us to rule out the vaccination as the cause of death for my 3 month old.

                          My vet and I are just hoping that my youngest 8 week old baby Hazel hasn’t contracted whatever it is. We vaccinated her yesterday incase it is calicivirus and have isolated her from everything my other two touched. So fingers crossed she pulls through these next 24 hours. My vet and I are definitely feeling the shock of the circumstances. .


                        • Bunny House
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                            I am so sorry for you loosing both so soon. I hope results can come back soon to help you heal. I also hope Hazel doesn’t have it. Keep us updated


                          • jerseygirl
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                              Oh no.  I am so sorry. This is heartbreaking… 

                              ***Binky Free, Joey***

                              It sounds like you have a compassionate vet. It’s good he is sending away the samples. I believe that’s what is needed to detect RVHD2.
                              That strain is the one we have no vaccine for here. And I don’t think it is definitively known if cylap protects against the k5 strain either.
                              {{{Hazel}}} Praying she will be alright.


                            • Talia+Joey
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                                Thank you Bunny house and Jersey girl. I’m definitely heartbroken and super anxious about little Hazel. But he’s hopeful that Hazel is just young enough that she might not be affected or as affected as an older bunny would. Only time will really tell unfortunately which is the worst thing about this whole situation. So far she’s showing promising signs of not being affected – but can’t be certain for a little big longer

                                I spoke with him this morning, and he thinks the results will be in by Friday so he’ll send me an email as soon as he gets them. I’ll let you guys know when I know. In the meantime back to watching Hazel like a hawk. 


                              • Bunny House
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                                  Just make sure to try and not get her too stressed or make her have too much exercise to keep her immune system top notch Incase she did have it so her body can work to fight it off.


                                • Talia+Joey
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                                    Unfortunately despite our best efforts little Hazel also succumbed to whatever this virus is this evening. I’m devasted and heartbroken :'( but all I can do now is wait for the test results in the next couple of days to confirm what caused this epidemic.

                                    Binky free my beautiful girls. I will forever love you and miss you all.


                                  • Bunny House
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                                      I am so sorry… you just have to know you couldnt have stopped this. Nature is horrible sometimes.
                                      Let us know what the vet says from the results.

                                      (((Binky free Hazel)))


                                    • jerseygirl
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                                        Binky Free, little Hazel.

                                        I am just so sorry.


                                      • Bam
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                                          I’m so very sorry for your tragic losses.

                                          Binky free, ****Talia**** ****Joey**** ****Hazel****


                                        • Talia+Joey
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                                            Thank you all. I miss them so much I can’t believe I won’t be hearing the little pitter patter of bunny feet around me anymore.

                                            Still waiting to hear back, but he’s hopeful they’ll be in tomorrow. Until then we’re a no bunny zone for the next 6 months to minimise the spread

                                            In the meantime I’m going to have to disinfect everything entirely and start fresh with new rabbit toys, food, bowls etc. to prevent any future bunnies I get down the track from contracting this. Anyone have any good disinfection tips for the environment? They were indoor bunnies and pretty much got free roam of all the rooms in the house – until the past few days where we isolated each of them in the hopes of preventing the spread.


                                          • meridiian
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                                              Hello

                                              This is really tragic. First Talia, Joey and now little Hazel.

                                              May I ask – since I am in Australia also – if it is calicivirus are you in the city or a country area? Sounds like you have been really, really careful so any idea how it might have been introduced into their environment?

                                              I am really sorry your lost your bunnies. Too sad. (((Talia))) (((Joey))) (((Hazel))). Binky free guys.


                                            • jerseygirl
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                                                What has happened to you is staying in my mind a lot. It a nightmare scenario for us as Aussie rabbit owners. My heart really goes out to you.  

                                                People in Canada and US are now experiencing outbreaks myx, rvhd and rvhd2 also, although it is not as widespread. Hopefully they wont have the delay in getting appropriate vaccines like we have here. 

                                                Last night, I found some info I wasn’t aware of. It looks like we may be getting vaccine for RVHD2 produced here. 

                                                Here is the FB post. This is the vet’s company that supplies vaccines for various animals. 

                                                 


                                              • jerseygirl
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                                                  Posted By Talia+Joey on 12/12/2018 5:54 PM

                                                  Thank you all. I miss them so much I can’t believe I won’t be hearing the little pitter patter of bunny feet around me anymore.

                                                  Still waiting to hear back, but he’s hopeful they’ll be in tomorrow. Until then we’re a no bunny zone for the next 6 months to minimise the spread

                                                  In the meantime I’m going to have to disinfect everything entirely and start fresh with new rabbit toys, food, bowls etc. to prevent any future bunnies I get down the track from contracting this. Anyone have any good disinfection tips for the environment? They were indoor bunnies and pretty much got free roam of all the rooms in the house – until the past few days where we isolated each of them in the hopes of preventing the spread.

                                                  Bam is good with current info on this. I will ask if she can post what she knows.  My own memory is like swiss cheese! 


                                                • Talia+Joey
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                                                    Meridiian I’m in Canberra so I guess you could say somewhere between City and country. However in sayingthat my buns have travelled with me up to Wollongong while I’ve done some work over there so they could have been in contact in either area. Currently no idea they could have come into contact with the virus- my vet doesn’t remember any rabbits coming in with similar symptoms or dying recently at the clinic and the only other thing I can think of is that possibly they could have picked it up from my neighbour’s rabbits in Wollongong. Even that isn’t fully confirmed though. It still remains a mystery – once I know more I’ll try and share it. 

                                                    Thank you very much they will be dearly missed and forever loved.


                                                  • Talia+Joey
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                                                      Posted By jerseygirl on 12/12/2018 9:26 PM

                                                      What has happened to you is staying in my mind a lot. It a nightmare scenario for us as Aussie rabbit owners. My heart really goes out to you.  

                                                      People in Canada and US are now experiencing outbreaks myx, rvhd and rvhd2 also, although it is not as widespread. Hopefully they wont have the delay in getting appropriate vaccines like we have here. 

                                                      Last night, I found some info I wasn’t aware of. It looks like we may be getting vaccine for RVHD2 produced here. 

                                                      Here is the FB post. This is the vet’s company that supplies vaccines for various animals. 

                                                       

                                                      Thank you for the info and you’re thoughts!! I’ll get there one day at a time its just hard moving on without having them around to love and play with. Fingers crossed this vaccine comes to fruition. I might ask my vet when he next contacts me if he’s heard any more news about this and I’ll share what he says. 

                                                      Thanks for asking Bam about helpful disinfecting tips hopefully I can kill or adequately eliminate most of the pathogens so my house is safe for future rabbits. Despite how hard it is for us to adequately protect them here in Australia I couldn’t imagine my life without them. Its amazing how they weasel their way into our hearts and set up permenent shop. 


                                                    • jerseygirl
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                                                        This is what was available on the Australian Veterinary Association website:

                                                        RHDV is caused by a Calicivirus which is extremely hardy and can survive in the environment and remain infectious for three and a half months at +25 C and for as long as seven and half months at +4 C.

                                                        Disinfectants that can be used to decontaminate any equipment include 10 % bleach, 10 % sodium hydroxide, 1-2 % formalin or parvocide disinfectants. Autoclaving will also kill the virus.

                                                        https://www.ava.com.au/node/66084


                                                      • Bam
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                                                          Again, I’m so sorry.

                                                          The disinfectant most commonly recommended is Virkon S. It’s a powder you dissolve in water to a pink fluid. It has no odour and it’s rabbit-safe (it’s also human- and other pets-safe). It is available in Australia. You use it after normal cleaning of everything, because it wont penetrate dirt. You spray it on the surfaces you need to disinfect, then leave it to dry (no wiping). Unused pink fluid will stay good for a few days only, so don’t mix too much. It gradually loses its color, when its lost all color, it’s no longer effective. 

                                                          http://www.harcourt-brown.co.uk/owners/frequently-asked-questions/FAQRHD

                                                          Normal household bleach will also kill the virus. It’s resistant to freezing and the virus is known to survive 50 degrees C for at least an hour. Machine washing of all washable fabrics is recommended. Direct UV light degrades the virus.


                                                        • Talia+Joey
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                                                            Thank you Bam and Jerseygirl. The bunny areas have been bleached and cleaned with hydrogen peroxide its just a matter of washing all the other fabrics they’ve come in contact with. We’re definitely going to start fresh and just get all new equipment before getting future rabbits so that will minimise the risk of reinfection. Hopefully we can get rid of everything that is in the environment over the next month or two.

                                                            How many months would you guys recommend as the ideal time before obtaining new rabbits? Does 6 months sound about right or is a slightly shorter time frame also ok after thorough disinfection? I just want to make sure when the time is right and I do get them that they are at minimal risk of getting the same thing. Vaccinations are also high on the priority list for any new rabbits I get.


                                                          • skye2016
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                                                              I’m so sorry for your loss. The situation is devastating you’re in my thoughts x


                                                            • Bam
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                                                                It seems you are currently experiencing an outbreak in your area. How long the outbreak will be going on for is difficult to say. It basically depends on how long it takes for the natural reservoir of virus to deplete (although the virus won’t be eradicated). This can take several months, depending on several factors, not just the mortality rate among the wild rabbits. The carcasses of the wild rabbits that succumb will be contagious for a long time, if consumed by scavengers, the scavengers can spread the virus via their feces. Esp scavenger birds can carry the virus rather long distances. The virus also spreads via mosquitos, ticks and also flies. We had an outbreak of RVHD2 where I live (Northern Europe) during late summer and fall this year. There are local grabbit facebook groups in several countries that map confirmed cases, I don’t know if you could find such groups in Australia. It’s very useful.

                                                                If the strain your rabbits succumbed to is the RVHD2, there is as you know currently no effective vaccine against it in Australia. I hope you will get one soon.


                                                              • Talia+Joey
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                                                                  Unfortunately haven’t been able to find any groups or latest information about affected cases so I have no idea if there is an outbreak or if I’m just the start of one. I’ll keep looking, but from the sounds of it I’ll be holding off for quite a while yet once the grieving process is complete just to be on the safer side of things

                                                                  Fingers crossed over the next few months we get the RVHD2 vaccine, otherwise all future rabbits are going into a as best as I can get insect proof area.


                                                                • meridiian
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                                                                    What has happened to you is staying in my mind a lot. It a nightmare scenario for us as Aussie rabbit owners. My heart really goes out to you. jerseygirl

                                                                    Same here.

                                                                    Thank you for your reply Talia+Joey and others for the info. Please keep us posted and once again I’m really sorry for your devastating loss. (((Talia))) (((Joey))) (((Hazel)))


                                                                  • Talia+Joey
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                                                                      Thank you meridiian, I’ll be sure to keep you all updated.

                                                                      I wish there was more that we could do to protect our beloved pets from this horrible virus


                                                                    • Talia+Joey
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                                                                        Well the histopathology results just came back. Acute hepatic necrosis is the cause of death and based on how my other rabbits were affected the likely diagnosis is the calicivirus. Won’t know for certain which strain it is until the test comes back in the new year.

                                                                        Now its just a matter of waiting for the virus to kill itself off before I bring in all new stuff and new rabbits. Needless to say this is devastating news and I never knew how much I would miss having my little guys around.

                                                                        For those of us in Australia I also asked my vet about the vaccine status for the RHDV2 virus. He confirms that there is one in production with a company called Zoetis. However it has been in production for a while and may take a while longer yet before it becomes available. 


                                                                      • meridiian
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                                                                          Thank you for the update! You said: “I wish there was more that we could do to protect our beloved pets from this horrible virus”

                                                                          I hear you. This virus was man-made. When so many innocent domestic bunnies fall victim – causing immeasurable and avoidable grief – its a crime vaccines aren’t available. I feel for you when I think of the emptiness you must feel when you think of your little friends. Way too sad you lost them this way.

                                                                          xx


                                                                        • Talia+Joey
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                                                                            Hopefully this vaccine for the latest strain will finish production soon, I’ll be first in line at my vets to get it given to my bunnies when it is.

                                                                            Its the emptiness thats the worst, and I can’t wait for the day when I can just go out and find another perfect duo or trio to love. I know that currently if I go get them it will just put them at even greater risk of exposure to the virus. I guess the worst part is that even months down the track I’ll never really know if the virus has sufficiently killed itself off in the rabbit area or if there are still particles lingering around.

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                                                                        Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Sudden death after Calicivirus vaccination