Context/Contenido

All the post published on this blog are cases either diagnosed, treated or attended by me, surgeries I performed myself or they are based on my experiences through my years working as a vet. The photos have also be done by me, unless it is told otherwise.
Todas las entradas mostradas en este blog son casos que atendí, cirugías que hice o están basados en mi experiencia de mis años como veterinaria. Las fotos también han sido hechas por mi, a menos que se diga su procedencia.

Thursday, 20 February 2014

Dental problems in rabbits/problemas dentales en conejos

Rabbit's teeth are growing and wearing against each other constantly throughout their life. For genetic(1), malocclusion or diet reason, this wearing out may fail to keep short front teeth (incisors), or a relatively flat surface in molars
Incisor can be easily checked by the owner. 
Molars will have to be checked by a vet, including head radiographs. When molars grinding is incorrect, molar spurs develop. These spurs will ulcerate or even stab the gums (read more)
Rabbits are very good in hiding pain. In most cases the owner will only notice: 


  • they prefer some kind of food
  • they show interest in food, only to eat a little bit, rejecting most of the food.
  • they are drooling or have runny eyes very often.
  • they drink more, possibly in an attempt to release mouth pain. 
  • a lump in the lower part of the jaw, or even an abcess.



SOLUTIONS

  • Many vets first choice treatment for incisors would be their extraction. Rabbit's skulls are very fragile, and their teeth roots germs(2) also need to be extracted to ensure a permanent removal. Therefore, this procedure will be performed by an experienced vet. 
  • Incisor's trimming is an option, but it needs to be repeated regularly, what is stressful for the bunny.
  • Molar spuring and filing under anaesthesia will release the pain temporaly. 
  • For tear duct occlusion and runny eyes click here.
  • Mandibular abscesses will require a veterinary treatment, which may go from a course of antibiotics and pain relief, to a surgical approach.
For further information visit:
Rabbit dental care
How to keep rabbits teeth healthy
Basic rabbit health care





(1) especially in short faced breeds.
(2) rabbit's root teeth have a germ that allows their constant growth. If they are left behind, the dental pieces may reappear.

1 comment:

  1. Anonymous10/03/2014

    Got a bunny who died of it :(

    ReplyDelete