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Boca y dientes

Dental malocclusion (rabbits)

A rabbit's teeth grow continuously throughout its life. If they do not wear down properly, they grow abnormally and cause pain, injuries and difficulty eating. It is very common.

Severe🐰 Rabbits

Symptoms to watch for

  • • Difficulty eating, dropping food
  • • Weight loss
  • • Drooling, wet fur on the chin
  • • Watery eyes (the tooth roots press on the tear duct)
  • • Lumps on the jaw (abscesses)
  • • Smaller or fewer droppings

Causes

Genetics (dwarf and brachycephalic rabbits), a diet low in hay (hay wears the teeth down), trauma, lack of fibre.

Diagnosis

Examination of the mouth with instruments, sometimes under sedation, and X-rays to assess the tooth roots.

Treatment

Filing or trimming of the overgrown teeth by the vet, carried out regularly for life. Treatment of any abscesses. Correcting the diet is essential.

Prevention

A hay-based diet available at all times from a young age (it wears the teeth down naturally), and regular dental check-ups.

When should you see the vet?

See your vet if your rabbit struggles to eat, drools, loses weight or has watery eyes. Untreated malocclusion leads to gut stasis and abscesses.

Consult a vet

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.

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