Rat Rescue
:: Dental
Disorders in Rabbits
Dental Disorders in Rabbits
Rabbits have open-rooted continuously growing teeth. In the
healthy rabbit at rest, the lower incisors locate between the
upper front incisors and the peg teeth, and there is a slight
gap between upper and lower molars. The rabbit grasps its food
between the upper and lower incisors.
The action of extending its lower jaw in relation to the upper,
and then retracting it slices the food. As the food is passed
back towards the molar teeth, and the lower jaw is already aligned
to allow the occlusal surfaces of upper and lower molars to
meet and grind the food (a side to side chewing motion of ~200
cycles / min). Both the incisors and molars are kept in trim,
by the surfaces meeting in an appropriate eating action.
Dental Disorders
Rabbits can suffer from a variety of dental disorders e.g.
dental caries, but the most frequently presenting tooth disorder
appears to be dental overgrowth, which is often accompanied
by a whole catalogue of other problems. There are several factors
that contribute to dental overgrowth:
1. Genetic - predisposition in smaller dwarf and lop-eared
breed
2. Traumatic - any breakage or dislodging of any tooth, will
result in overgrowth of opposing teeth, if they are unable to
come into contact, and wear is reduced.
3. Dietary habit - rabbits are herbivores, and should have
a low energy, high fibre diet. Fibrous material encourages appropriate
jaw action, and the fibre and plant silicates aid abrasion and
dental wear, which helps to prevent dental overgrowth.
4. Physical - continuously growing, open-rooted, rate of growth.
It is easy to understand how rapidly dental problems develop,
when tooth growth rates are in the order of 2 to 3mm per week.
Other factors affecting dental health
1. Diet:Correct levels and balance of vitamins and minerals
- tooth integrity, colour, ridging Sugars and Starch - dental
caries leading to cavities on the surface
2. Dysphagia - difficulty in eating or inappropriate eating
action
3. Disease - Infection / hormonal imbalance
4. Toxic Compounds
Early indicators of Disorder / Disease
1. Loss of condition - weight loss, unkempt, matted or dirty
coat
2. Behavioural changes - depression, isolation, tooth grinding
(pain), reluctance to be touched especially around the face
3. Appetite - reduced or anorectic
4. Faeces - change in size, quantity, absence of or caecotrophs
adhering to fur around anus
5. Head - asymmetry, deformity, swelling, wounds, facial abscesses
6. Eyes and Nose - bulging eyes, watery lacrimation, discharge,
nose bleeds, rhinitis
7. Mouth - excess salivation, halitosis, stomatitis, gingivitis,
ulceration of lip, cheek, tongue, palate
8. Teeth - visibly long, broken or displaced, discoloured
Preventative Measures
Although dental techniques have advanced significantly in the
last few years, cures are still not common so it is essential
to think in terms of prevention:
1. Feed a complete and balanced diet:
