Rabbits teeth are open rooted, which means they grow constantly and need to be worn down during eating. Dental disease can develop in many rabbits due to an incorrect diet and a lack of calcium. This results in the teeth becoming soft and moving in their sockets. Sharp spikes begin to grow as the teeth are not meeting correctly, which can damage the tongue and cheeks and is extremely painful for rabbits.
Symptoms can include:
- Anorexia/loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Change in food habits
- Drooling
- Accumulation of caecotrophs (faeces)
- Runny eyes
- Facial swelling
Other symptoms can include eye infections and matted droppings around the tail base. It is important to remember that these rabbits will be at higher risk of fly strike as they are unable to clean themselves.
Regular checking of your rabbit’s incisors is also very important and can help you pick up on dental problems early on. To check these teeth just fold the top lip back and make sure that they meet. If they look like they are overlapping or don’t line up correctly then they will grow too long and your rabbit won’t be able to eat properly. You won’t be able to check their teeth at the back but these should be done at their annual health check and may need to be done more frequently. Make an appointment today with one of our nurses where they can show you how to check the length and quality of these teeth and check for malocclusion.
If you are concerned your rabbit may have a dental problem, or is showing any of the above symptoms please call us for immediate veterinary attention on 0117 9505888.