As we said in the last article, rabbit teeth grow continuously. This is an adaptation to their high-fiber diet and the need to eat almost constantly. Their teeth would wear out too fast if they did not continuously grow.
When the incisors overgrow, it’s usually from a malocclusion preventing normal wear-and-tear. And the problem is obvious. In most cases, we trim the teeth, and the problem is controlled for several weeks to months in between trimmings. In extreme cases, we remove the incisors, which resolves the problem.
Rabbit with an overgrown lower molar. All photos courtesy of LBAH
It’s overgrown molars that usually cause more of a problem. These teeth are hard to examine and assess, so the problem can sneak up easily, and all you notice is a rabbit that’s losing weight because it cannot eat properly. This poor appetite would be accompanied by a lack of droppings, so vigilance should catch this problem before the weight loss.
Whenever a rabbit is brought to us with weight loss or a poor appetite, we check the teeth. We use a speculum to visualize the molars because the gums and cheeks fold over the mouth opening, preventing easy visualization.
This picture of an anesthetized rabbit shows points on a lower molar that is painful, digs into the cheek, and prevents eating.
Partway through the process of filing them down.
Once this rabbit wakes up from anesthesia, it begins to eat immediately. The problem might reoccur, so close observation of eating habits and production of droppings in addition to routine exams of the mouth will be needed.
Our website has a detailed explanation of teeth problems in rabbits http://www.lbah.com/word/rabbit-teeth-problems/.