Dental Disease: From Spur to Burr
Rabbits teeth are the first part of a very complex digestive system, and consist of four incisors, twenty two premolars and molars, and two peg teeth that sit behind the incisors, distinguishing these lagomorphs from rodents.
The molars deep grooves create ridges that help break down fibrous materials such as hay, plants and pellets, however if the fibre content and diet is insufficient and incorrect it can lead to serious problems such as dental disease.
The molars deep grooves create ridges that help break down fibrous materials such as hay, plants and pellets, however if the fibre content and diet is insufficient and incorrect it can lead to serious problems such as dental disease.
Dental disease in rabbits occurs when their teeth grow in the wrong direction or grow abnormally long. These problems may be congenital or acquired.
Congenital dental issue are hereditary aspects passed from their parents. These are common in breeds that are bred to have shorter faces such as lop and dwarfs, leading to their teeth being crowded within the mouth, increasing the likelihood of teeth growing abnormally.
Acquired problems can come from several different paths such as trauma to the teeth, change in jaw formation, malocclusion (misalignment of the incisors) and metabolic bone disease, all of which can be a side effect of insufficient diet. If a rabbit is not fed the appropriate high fibre diet that is needed, the teeth will not wear properly, leading to teeth growing too long.
Teeth in healthy rabbits are properly worn down by ingesting fibrous roughage. It’s important for a rabbit’s teeth to retain their proper length, shape, and alignment as decreased or abnormal wear can lead to increased dental problems. When a diet lacks sufficient fibre (80% of a rabbits daily intake), the teeth grow faster than they can be worn down, resulting in uneven and unusual length, misalignment (malocclusion), abnormal curvature and spurs. In most cases some form of surgical intervention is needed. With uneven molars resulting in spurs appearing, your rabbit may have to go under general anaesthetic, so that these can be burred down to the correct length to prevent cuts and abrasions forming on the cheeks and tongue. Misalignment of the incisors (malocclusion) is something that owners can observe themselves. This can prevent a rabbit picking up food efficiently.
Incisors can be burred conscientiously by your veterinarian every 4-6 weeks to help correct this problem. In some instances your veterinarian may suggest incisor removal to prevent pain and further issues.
Rabbits being prey species means that they are increasingly good at hiding pain and discomfort so that they do not appear vulnerable.
It is extremely important that owners know the clinical signs of dental disease so that veterinary treatment and pain relief can be given sooner rather than later.
Signs include:
• Pickiness about food or sudden change in food preferences
• Dropping food
• Drooling leading to matted fur on chin and forelimbs
• Eating or drinking less leading to decrease in weight or dehydration
• Changes in amount and size of faeces
• Reduced grooming behaviour noted by caecotrophs being present on fur around the anus
• Bad breath
• Reduced activity
• Poor coat condition and loss of fur
If dental problems are not amended with veterinary intervention, other serious health problems can occur such as fractures and abscesses.
It is extremely important that owners know the clinical signs of dental disease so that veterinary treatment and pain relief can be given sooner rather than later.
Signs include:
• Pickiness about food or sudden change in food preferences
• Dropping food
• Drooling leading to matted fur on chin and forelimbs
• Eating or drinking less leading to decrease in weight or dehydration
• Changes in amount and size of faeces
• Reduced grooming behaviour noted by caecotrophs being present on fur around the anus
• Bad breath
• Reduced activity
• Poor coat condition and loss of fur
If dental problems are not amended with veterinary intervention, other serious health problems can occur such as fractures and abscesses.
Fractures are obtained through trauma to the skull, however are more common in rabbits with misaligned or overgrown incisors.
Dental abscesses are commonly caused by a bacterial infection in the tooth root or tear duct. The most common cause of tooth root abscesses is tooth elongation. This is a chronic and common condition as rabbit’s teeth constantly grow about half an inch every 28 days. The cheek teeth can become decayed through the formation of spurs, gradually wearing down the soft tissue surrounding the teeth, allowing bacteria to enter the gums.
Tear duct abscesses can be the result of an elongated upper incisor tooth root blocking the tear duct. The fluid in the tear duct is perfect for bacteria to grow, and in turn easily forming an abscess. Because they are serious and often difficult to treat, it’s important to consult with an experienced veterinarian if you feel any facial growths forming.
Evidence of further problems includes:
Eye discharge, which could be a result of tooth roots growing into the eye cavity
• Behaviour that suggest pain such as hunched posture and teeth grinding
• Lethargy and not showing desire to express natural behaviours
• Refusal to drink
• Anorexia/weight loss from decreased appetite
• Swelling on the face present due to internal tooth root infection
Dental abscesses are commonly caused by a bacterial infection in the tooth root or tear duct. The most common cause of tooth root abscesses is tooth elongation. This is a chronic and common condition as rabbit’s teeth constantly grow about half an inch every 28 days. The cheek teeth can become decayed through the formation of spurs, gradually wearing down the soft tissue surrounding the teeth, allowing bacteria to enter the gums.
Tear duct abscesses can be the result of an elongated upper incisor tooth root blocking the tear duct. The fluid in the tear duct is perfect for bacteria to grow, and in turn easily forming an abscess. Because they are serious and often difficult to treat, it’s important to consult with an experienced veterinarian if you feel any facial growths forming.
Evidence of further problems includes:
Eye discharge, which could be a result of tooth roots growing into the eye cavity
• Behaviour that suggest pain such as hunched posture and teeth grinding
• Lethargy and not showing desire to express natural behaviours
• Refusal to drink
• Anorexia/weight loss from decreased appetite
• Swelling on the face present due to internal tooth root infection
Your veterinarian can check your rabbits teeth yearly when vaccinated, and at regular checks if needed. It is always important that your rabbit visits a vet if differences in eating habits and behavioural changes occur.
A balanced diet high in fibre is extremely important for appropriate management of dentition in rabbits, as well as preventing tooth decay. Your veterinarian will be happy to check your rabbit’s teeth every 1-3 months depending on severity, and burr incisors and molars when necessary, as well as prescribing pain medication in those with severe cases. If your rabbit does continue to have reoccurring dental problems most veterinarians may suggest removal of the affected teeth.
Although it sounds extreme, it is without doubt the best long-term solution to the problem if chronic overgrowth occurs.
A balanced diet high in fibre is extremely important for appropriate management of dentition in rabbits, as well as preventing tooth decay. Your veterinarian will be happy to check your rabbit’s teeth every 1-3 months depending on severity, and burr incisors and molars when necessary, as well as prescribing pain medication in those with severe cases. If your rabbit does continue to have reoccurring dental problems most veterinarians may suggest removal of the affected teeth.
Although it sounds extreme, it is without doubt the best long-term solution to the problem if chronic overgrowth occurs.