Dental Issues In Bunnies

If you have a bunny, you’ll need to pay close attention to your furry friend’s dental health. Bunnies are lagomorphs, and they have open-rooted teeth, which grow continuously throughout their lives. In the wild, this helps them eat tough plants and roots. However, this does make rabbits prone to dental issues. A Louisville, KY ‘bites’ into this topic below.

Common Issues

Rabbit teeth actually grow very quickly, and can grow 5 inches a year. It’s important for all of your little buddy’s choppers to be worn down at the same rate. Problems can arise quickly when bunnies can’t chew evenly. This can cause malocclusion, which is a problem with the angle or placement of a tooth. It can also lead to overgrowth, which can cause shards of Floppy’s teeth to stick out, causing painful cuts.

Symptoms

There are a few warning signs to look for. These include drooling, swelling, pawing at the mouth, and bad breath. Floppy may actually grind her teeth. You may notice changes in her eating habits. She may start choosing soft foods, or just start eating less, which will of course lead to weight loss. Your furry buddy may also have trouble grooming herself. Understandably, Floppy may also become grumpy or withdrawn. Contact your vet immediately if you notice any of these red flags.

Prevention

As with any other issues in our animal companions, an ounce of prevention is worth several pounds of cure. The best way to prevent dental issues is to make sure that Floppy is getting a proper diet. This should consist mostly of high-fiber hay, supplemented with pellets and bunny-safe produce. Your furry pal will also need suitable chew toys. These can be made of wood, wicker, or twigs. You can purchase them online or in pet stores, or make your own. Just stick with safe options. Ask your vet for more information.

Treatment

If you know or suspect that your bunny has dental issues, have your vet examine her right away. In some cases, trimming may solve the issue. More severe problems may require extractions or other treatments. The main thing is to act quickly. Dental issues are not only very painful for Floppy, they can interfere with her digestion, which can lead to several other health issues. Do you have questions about your rabbit’s health or care? Contact us, your local Louisville, KY animal clinic, today!