Dental Diseases in rabbits
Teeth Problems
Signs:
Rabbits often stop eating when spurs on the teeth dig into the tongue or cheeks.
Overgrown incisors can often be seen protruding from the front of the mouth.
They may dribble due to pain and the inability to close the mouth completely - often the fur below the mouth is wet.
Abscesses often result from damaged tooth roots. These form swellings anywhere on the face but most commonly between the lower jaw bones near the chin.
Similar Conditions:
Many of the serious illnesses will cause rabbits to stop eating.
Lumps on the face could be tumours, rabbit syphilis or the skin form of Myxomatosis.
Causes:
An incorrect diet is the main cause of dental problems. Low calcium levels cause weak bones, allowing the teeth that never stop growing, from pushing into the bones of the jaws. They grow out at an angle, causing damage to soft parts of the mouth, while the roots are not sealed against the penetration of bacteria.
Calcium is also very important to the immune system, which prevents infections.
Low fibre levels in the diet also do not wear down the teeth as they grow.
Genetic factors also play a role with some rabbits having undershot or overshot jaws.
First Aid:
Any rabbit that stops eating could be in a serious state. The digestive systemin rabbits often does not start functioning again spontaneously.
Keep the rabbit warm and dry. Try a wide range of foods - some will only eat soft food and others only pellets.
Check your rabbit for any other signs, such as swollen eyelids from Myxomatosis or fly maggots around the tail.
Make a routine appointment to see your vet.
Make a routine appointment to see your vet.
Emergencies:
Dental problems are not an emergency but rabbits that are not eating should be seen by a vet within 24 hours.
Veterinary Treatment:
Your vet will first have to correct any dehydration or weakness due to lack of eating. Drips and liquid foods may be used.
Ovegrown teeth or those with spurs on them can be clipped, filed or burred under anaesthesia.
Loose teeth may be removed although this is much more difficult in rabbits than in other animals.
Abscesses need to be dissected out, often together with the tooth root that is infected.
Anitbiotics and painkillers are generally used.
It is important to get the digestive system working again using various drugs and liquid foods.
Prevention:
A proper diet is very important. The most important aspect is to feed a large amount of very good quality hay of grass.
A complete pelleted diet supplement is recommended which prevents rabbits from selecting the nice parts and leaving the good parts behind.
When buying a rabbit, always check its teeth and if possible the teeth of its mother. Take it to your vet for a check up as soon as possible,
Rabbits should have their teeth checked by a vet at least every 6 months. Remember that they grow 1mm every week.
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