Dental problems in rabbits

Rabbits have long-crowned, open-rooted teeth which grow throughout their life. Their incisor (front) teeth grow at roughly ½ cm per month. In a healthy rabbit the teeth meet and wear against each other, but if for some reason they do not meet, they will continue to grow. The failure of the teeth to meet is called malocclusion.

Signs of dental disease

The most obvious sign of malocclusion is visibly overgrown front teeth. Other problems that may be noticed include weight loss and loss of appetite, abscesses around the face, damage to the fur and skin caused by hooks on the teeth at the time of grooming, and caked faeces around the anus as the rabbit is unable to perform coprophagia, the eating of faeces which is an important part of the rabbit’s digestive process. Swellings on the jaw and infections of the tear ducts are also commonly associated with dental problems.

Causes of dental disease

Malocclusion can have several causes. Rabbits can be born with over or undershot jaws where the top or bottom jaw is too long, causing continued tooth growth and necessitating frequent trimming. Damage to the teeth or jaw bones after accidents such as being dropped can lead to the onset of malocclusion later in life.

The most important causes of malocclusion however are dietary problems. In particular, calcium and vitamin D deficiencies can cause poor quality tooth enamel and weak supporting bone. The main reason for their deficiency is selective feeding on the part of the rabbit. In most commercial rabbit foods the calcium and vitamin D are added to the pellets, but unfortunately these are the least palatable part of the ration and are often left by the rabbit. If the remnants of the bowl are then discarded and more mix placed in it, the rabbit will never eat the pellets and will not get its full intake of these nutrients. (An analogy is feeding children a diet of Mars bars and Brussel Sprouts - the sprouts will only get eaten as a last resort, even though they are more nutritious.)

Treatment and prevention

The simplest form of treatment for malocclusion is to clip the incisors on a regular basis and this should be carried out by your veterinary surgeon unless you have been instructed in the technique. Occasionally the cheek teeth (molars) may also have to be trimmed. This will almost always require the administration of a general anaesthetic.

A very important part of prevention and treatment of dental disease in rabbits is ensuring they eat a balanced diet. Adding vitamin and mineral supplements may be necessary but these nutrients are better obtained from their natural foods. If the rabbit is fed exclusively on commercial rabbit food, the bowl should not be emptied if it is not cleared, but should be left until all the pellets are eaten. Hay is an important part of a rabbit’s diet, providing vitamin D and fibre which helps with the normal wear of teeth.

Greenstuff and vegetables should be given although, because rabbits may develop a mild diarrhoea on first being introduced to the food, they should be given in moderation initially. A wide range of greenfoods should be offered such as dandelions, grass, brambles and tree leaves. Rabbits enjoy gnawing the bark off wood. If possible, the rabbit should be allowed daily exercise outside. The sunlight allows the rabbit to make its own vitamin D, and the access to grass and other green foods offers them a wider and more varied diet.

It should be noted that after a certain stage many of the changes in the rabbits teeth due to poor diet may be permanent and in these cases diet change may have little effect. It is far better to start this feeding regime earlier in life: prevention is better than cure.

If you are at all worried about the health of your rabbit you should contact your veterinary surgeon.

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Copyright © 2003 The Downs Veterinary Practice
Last modified: December 08, 2003