THE RABBIT AND RODENT WEB BOOK

Rabbit’s and Rodent's teeth constantly grow and therefore they need a good diet to prevent over growth and spurs forming.

A good-pelleted diet along with plenty of hay, and root vegetables is essential for Rabbits and Guinea Pigs for this reason too.

Malocclusion

Some Rabbits and Rodents are born with deformed teeth. Some Rabbits and Rodents obtain deformed teeth from a fall or being attacked by a dog. This is known as Malocclusion. Malocclusion is when the top and bottom teeth grow abnormally and do not meet to be able to grind together properly. The Rabbit or Rodent will have an under bite or overbite in some cases. Teeth can curl outwards forming a V shape or curl inwards and upwards into the Pets jaw.

The Incisors constantly overgrow, causing eating impossible. Spurs and cheek abscesses can form in the mouth also making eating impossible. If left untreated the Pet will starve and die. Some incisors will break so thePet is left with little or no incisors at all but they will grow back and continue to overgrow again.

Veterinarians nowadays are able to remove the front incisors instead of letting the Pet go through painful dental trimming. This can sometimes help the back teeth to line up a bit more making eating easier for the Pet. A Rabbit or Guinea Pig on a pelleted diet has more chance of less complications but will still need to see the vet regularly. It is the same with small Rodents. A Rodent that has a diet consisting of hard foods and Gnaws will have a healthier life.

Rabbits and Rodents with dental problems should go for regular check ups every 4-6 weeks depending on the severity of the teeth, some pets have to go once every 10 days. Rabbit and Rodent owners should not attempt to trim the teeth themselves as this can cause pain and possibly further injury to the Rabbit or Rodent.

Further complications are roots overgrowing up into the Pet’s cheek and eye socket, causing infection, and abscesses in the bone and tissue of the Pet's jaw. Tear ducts can become regularly blocked and in advanced root problems pus can discharge from the Pet's eyes as infection builds in the eye socket. The roots can damage nerves within the head of the Pet leading to fits, head tilts and death.

I personally have had Rabbits that have developed sudden teeth root problems in their adult hood. Root problems can be left unnoticed until the Rabbit starts to develop symptoms of illness (see below for symptoms).

By observing your Pet's eating habits daily and getting the Pet use to you touching its mouth you may pick up early signs of dental problems and will be able to take your Pet to the vet for treatment.

Small rodents may bit though if you try to put your fingers near their mouths so wear thick builders gloves if you suspect a problem, so you can check the teeth. You may need a second person to help you.

Symptoms of teeth problems

In root cases early warnings are not present unless a x-ray is taken of the jaw.

Drooling and wet front paws

Food caked around the mouth

Food not being touched

Sticky Bottom Syndrome

Over growing front teeth

Advanced symptoms of teeth problems including root overgrowth

Loss of weight

Abscesses on the cheekbone in the mouth or a swelling above the eye.

Lumps appearing under lower jaw and gradually get bigger. This is a sign of infection

Head tilt due to irreversible nerve damage

Possible fitting due to irreversible nerve damage

Treatments available

Firstly the veterinarian will want to check the pets back teeth, by looking in the mouth and doing an x-ray. This will show the positioning of the teeth and roots.

If your vet does not do an x-ray,especially then please suggest that they do so as this could be life or death for your pet.

In some cases, Veterinarians can remove the front incisors, burr down spurs on the back teeth and extract wobbly back teeth if necessary.

Abscesses can be treated with antibiotics but the survival of the Pet depends on the cause of the infection and long-term prospects/future heath of the Pet. This can depend on root growth and the severity of infection and nerve damage.