Develop sharp spurs which can dig into the cheeks and tongue, causing immense pain
Become chipped or broken exposing the nerve, causing significant pain
Become infected in the root area and develop abscesses
“Very few pet owners check their rabbit’s mouth and teeth regularly, so dental issues can be missed until it gets really bad. It is also quite hard to see the rabbit’s molars because they are located at the back of the mouth.” - Dr Claire Tan, Chief Veterinary Surgeon, Gaia Vets
Aside from poor diet, old age and type of breed can also make your rabbit more susceptible to overgrown teeth.
Brachycephalic rabbits, e.g. lion head, dwarf, are selectively bred for their flatter face and shorter jaws. They may look cute but they tend to encounter more dental problems compared to other rabbit breeds because there is not much space in their mouth to house the continuously growing teeth.
Subtle Signs, Easily Missed
Rabbits are adept at hiding their pain or discomfort so signs of dental issues can be subtle:
Drooling
Teeth-grinding
Weepy eyes
Runny nose
Bumps in the jawline
Lack of appetite
Loss of weight (Visually assess your rabbit’s body condition with this)
Lethargy
Diarrhoea
Taking Care, Being Aware
If you can (and if your rabbit lets you), check his/her teeth every week for signs of overgrowth.
Too challenging? No problem. The next best thing you can do is to bring your rabbit for annual health checks. Your vet will be able to detect any issues with a physical examination.
On a daily basis, you can also ensure your rabbit has a balanced diet with lots of fibre and provide plenty of safe, engaging chew toys. This gives your rabbit a better chance to prevent overgrown teeth.
We love rabbits here at Gaia Vets and do our best to give bunny owners like you as much help as we can. So feel free to contact us!
