OVERGROWN TEETH IN A RABBIT: A NEW TREATMENT
A common problem with many rabbits is that their teeth do not get worn down properly, and because they grow all the time, unlike in humans, they eventually prevent the rabbit from eating at all.
It is a problem mainly of the lower incisors – the big teeth at the front of the mouth – the ones you actually see. (The cheek teeth can grow abnormally but this is less of a problem). Trimming them is stressful, particularly as it has to be done monthly in most cases.
At this practice we have pioneered a new approach and are having good success with it. We are simply using braces to try and pull the bottom teeth back, so that the top teeth can then keep them trimmed automatically.
Millie is a young rabbit with a tooth problem. Over a period of about 3 months she had a brace fitted, and this had to be regularly tightened. For Millie this meant a deep sedative each time because she would have panicked too much without one, and besides the area to deal with is rather small! The sedative/anaesthetic is relatively safe, and only lasts an hour. Millie certainly didn't have any problems and was able to eat straight away after each procedure.
She had two braces – one either side, running from behind the first cheek tooth, and round the front of the incisor. The tightening suture was to one side, so that it could be buried in a place that wouldn't hurt her.
Photo 1:The original problem: the bottom teeth are so long than eating is difficult.
Photo 2: The brace in place: The wire is kept taut by adjusting it every 1-2 weeks.
Photo 3: The teeth at the top grow too, and need trimming; those at the bottom are cut right back as you can see.
Photo 4: The teeth trimmed and shaped to encourage the top teeth to slide over the bottom teeth.
Photo 5: The end result: the top teeth have been doing their job for about 3 weeks since the brace came off so the result should be permanent.
Statistics
Number of anaesthetics or sedations: 8
Period of Time: 3 months
Result: one happy bunny, and no lifetime of having to have teeth clipped painfully every month!
