Heat stroke
Rabbits are unable to sweat and may have thick fur which makes them susceptible to heat stroke if they are unable to remain cool during hot weather. Post-mortem signs are nonspecific. Heat stroke induces acute multiple organ lesions and resembles sepsis or viraemia (RHD). A history of exposure to high temperatures (left in a car on a hot day or living in hutch exposed to bright sunshine) is highly suggestive of the diagnosis. Histopathology should help to differentiate between heatstroke, sepsis or RHD.