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Introduction
So here we are banging on about the importance of dentistry again (get the impression we think it's important?). Those of you unfamiliar with our ethos might be asking: "Why do they keep on about it?"
The short answer is that over 90% of poorly rabbits we see Parkvets have problems secondary to dental disease. The daft thing is that if we fed rabbits correctly from the start then virtually no rabbits would have bad teeth. It's 100% preventable.
Signs of Dental Problems
Rabbits that suffer dental problems don't always have obvious outward symptoms. The list below isn't inclusive but if your rabbit has any of these signs then you should get it checked out by the vet.
- Weight loss
- Drooling (sticky fur under the chin)
- Runny eyes
- Lumps under chin
- Facial swelling
- Lethargy
- Dirty Bottom
- Poor appetite
Rabbits as young as six months can suffer with dental disease.
What Can Be Done?
If your vet thinks your rabbit has dental disease they will suggest a dental check under anaesthetic, this will almost certainly involve burring of the incisors, molars or both. It may also involve taking an X-ray and tear duct flushing.
Unfortunately once your rabbit has dental disease it is rarely possible to prevent recurrence due to the fact that rabbits' teeth grow continuously, so further dental procedures are likely.
In one recent case we saw one poor bunny had such advanced tooth overgrowth that the spurs on the edges of its teeth had almost cut its tongue completely in half. Needless to say there was little to be done for this individual. Tooth problems like this should not occur, bit if you feed your rabbit per shop mixes they will. Please read our article on diet to find out what you should do to prevent this condition.
Conclusion
Remember dental disease is 100% preventable by feeding the correct diet. If you haven't had your rabbit's teeth checked and you feed a pet shop mix then book an appointment now to prevent disease in the future. Please read our article on diet for more information.
