Rabbit Teeth Problems: Causes And Measures
It is very important to keep our pets in optimal health condition. Informing ourselves about the necessary care is therefore vital. In this article, we present the most common rabbit tooth problems and how to treat them.
What to know about rabbit teeth
If you want to adopt a rabbit or if you have recently acquired one, you should know that these animals spend several hours nibbling, especially food. This is not due to their gluttony, but to their “open root” teeth which, therefore, grow throughout their lives.
Each week the rabbit’s teeth grow about three millimeters. It might seem little, but if the animal has no way to consume them properly, over time it will face serious health problems, such as dental malocclusion.
The rabbit’s mouth has two types of teeth: the incisors and the molars and premolars. If the former are not consumed in the right way, the animal will not be able to close its mouth properly or the teeth may even pierce the lips.
In the event that the overgrowth affects the second group, the consequences will be jaw dislocation, sores and abscesses.
Dental malocclusion in rabbits
This is the most common oral problem among lagomorphs due to their constantly growing “special” teeth. There are several factors that can influence the onset of this disorder.
Diets deficient in hay
Hay is the staple of the rabbit’s diet, not only nutritionally, but also because it allows it to gnaw and consume its teeth.
Trauma
Following a fracture or dislocation of the jaw, the animal may eat incorrectly. As a result, his teeth will continue to grow.
Infections
They are quite common and can be caused by poor cage hygiene or by ingesting food in poor condition.
Genetics
Dental malocclusion is a common problem in dwarf rabbits to the point of being considered a congenital defect.
Other causes of rabbit tooth problems
Tumors of the oral cavity or brain can alter the growth of the teeth or cause a change in the animal’s habits. In addition to this, dental malocclusion is common among rabbits that are blind or with systemic diseases.
How to recognize rabbit teeth problems
If you have problems with your rabbit’s teeth, they are misaligned or protrude from the mouth. Before this occurs, however, we may notice several symptoms. We talk about it in the following lines.
Slimming
It often happens that you take your rabbit to the vet due to weight loss with no apparent cause. In these cases, a serious illness is usually suspected. In the case of rabbits, however, this can be a consequence of dental malocclusion.
Lack of appetite
Related to the previous point, a rabbit that cannot chew well and that feels pain when closing its mouth, will take “drastic” measures such as stopping eating or feeding the bare minimum. This causes anorexia, which puts the owners on alert.
Sores, eye pressure, injuries
Pay close attention to the rabbit’s face for small clues that help pinpoint a tooth problem. For example, some individuals suffer from injury to the optic nerve (bulging eyes), while others have lesions on the sides of the mouth.
How to prevent rabbit teeth problems?
The rabbit needs a balanced diet in order to avoid these unpleasant problems. To this end, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian regarding the daily rations and foods to be administered to the animal. Hay, alpha alpha, and field grasses are key to making him gnaw.
We recommend that you periodically observe the rabbit’s mouth. If the teeth are too long, don’t hesitate to take him to the vet.
