Dental Disease In Rabbits

Acquired dental disease (ADD) is a common condition that is almost specific to indoor pet rabbits. Wild or pet rabbits that are housed outdoors all year round with unrestricted access to grazing and browsing tend not develop this syndrome. This condition is usually due to environmental (husbandry) or genetic factors or a combination of both.

Rabbits teeth are special in that they grow continuous throughout life. They rely on chewing and gnawing to wear the teeth down. The main cause of dental disease in pet rabbits is feeding an inappropriate diet that lacks appropriate fiber content. Fractured jaws or broken teeth can also result in ADD.

Dwarf breeds are genetically predisposed to dental disease. They are often born with an overshot lower jaw or an undershot upper jaw resulting in the lower incisors being in front of the upper incisors. The resulting malocclusion can lead to problems in teeth wear in both the incisors (front teeth) and the cheek teeth sets and thus result in dental disease. The teeth of rabbits with ADD are often misshapen and curved. These can lead to pain, inappetance, abscesses, and cuts to the gums.

Examination of the mouth is not always easy to perform in a conscious rabbit. Sedation or general anesthesia may be required for a thorough oral inspection. Dental or skull x-ray may also be performed to assess the condition of the tooth roots.

The treatment of rabbit dental disease is often very difficult and long termed. This disease condition is progressive by nature and in many cases a cure may not be possible. Treatment may involve dietary management, dental intervention like teeth trimming and filing, and/or antibiotics and painkillers. In severe cases of tooth abscessation, euthanasia may be warranted.