If you have a pet rabbit, you already understand: that teeth are one of the animal’s main characteristics, as well as being the part of the body that needs the most care. However, did you know that it is very common to find a rabbit with a toothache? Among lagomorphs, this is a recurring problem, regardless of breed.

So, if you have a pet rabbit or are thinking about adopting one, check out how to take care of the animal’s teeth and recognize the signs that indicate that your pet has dental problems below.

Aspects and care of rabbit teeth

When thinking about rabbits, in addition to their big ears and cuteness, many people remember their large front teeth, called incisors. They are another striking aspect of the animal.

However, in addition to these two, rabbits have 26 to 28 teeth, on average. Among them, 6 are incisors: 2 upper central rostral, 2 upper central caudal, and 2 lower central. They are the main characteristic that differentiates lagomorphs from rodents.

Rabbit teeth don’t stop growing, and this happens to compensate for the wear caused by the process of gnawing and chewing fiber-rich foods. Therefore, chewing and gnawing are essential for maintaining the animal’s oral health.

These actions prevent the teeth from growing longer than necessary and hurting the animal, leaving the rabbit with a toothache or other oral problems.

Tooth wear

This is one of the main precautions that rabbit owners need to pay attention to in addition to offering food, it is necessary to offer fibrous foods. This way, the animal can wear down its teeth.

In fact, excess food can harm oral health: rabbits need denser food than oral health. Therefore, constant consumption can result in insufficient wear, in addition to other complications. This contributes to overgrowth and occlusion problems.

In addition to this, you can also offer animal-specific toys for the species. In addition to contributing to this wear and tear, they help improve oral hygiene.

Main dental problems for a rabbit

When this attention to rabbits’ teeth is not carried out as necessary, several problems can affect the pet. You can check out the main ones below.

Malocclusion

Malocclusion occurs when the teeth grow more than necessary and move out of their original position, hurting the animal. In some rabbits, accelerated tooth growth is a genetic condition. In this case, it is important to maintain regular follow-up with a specialist veterinarian.

Dental Tips

Tooth spikes appear when a rabbit’s chewing pattern is altered. This way, tooth wear does not occur evenly throughout the mouth, and a point may develop. It injures the lagomorph’s internal oral environment, such as the cheeks, gums, and tongue.

Periodontal disease

When a rabbit’s teeth are misaligned, food accumulation is more likely in the area. This cluster causes an increase in bacteria and inflammation in the animal’s gums.

Abscesses

Abscesses are also problems caused by inflammation. However, they occur in the region of a wound. Another characteristic of this complication is the accumulation of pus at the site.

In the case of rabbits, the pus is different from other species. Called caseum, it has a more pasty and dense consistency and is not absorbed by the body. Surgical intervention is required to remove it.

In many cases, abscesses go unnoticed due to the rabbit’s fur. Therefore, it is recommended that owners frequently feel the pet’s head, neck, and cheeks.

Signs that your rabbit has a toothache

If your pet has any of the problems below, it is unlikely that he will show them quickly. This happens because rabbits are considered easy prey. So, as a protective instinct, they avoid showing signs of weakness or that something is not right.

Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to your lagomorph’s behavior, as there are some clinical signs that can make it easier to identify a rabbit with a toothache or other problem. The main ones are:

• weight loss;
• lack of interest in food;
• difficulty chewing;
• intense salivation;
• dehydration;
• smaller and drier stools than usual;
• reduction of activity;
• lack of sleep;

sudden aggression — the rabbit does not allow an approach and becomes aggressive when the owner tries to interact or pick it up.

Furthermore, it is important to notice if the rabbit’s teeth are larger than usual or if there is any type of wound or abscess in the mouth area. This way, you can ensure that everything is ok with your pet.

How to care for a rabbit with a toothache?

If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned in your bunny, it is important to take him to the veterinarian as soon as possible so that the problem does not develop and cause more serious consequences.

After evaluating the patient, the professional will indicate the best treatment for your rabbit with toothache, which may include painkillers and a diet rich in fibrous foods, which help with wear and tear. It is also possible to assess whether surgical intervention is necessary.

In more serious cases, the veterinarian may recommend mechanical wear, which consists of reducing the animal’s tooth manually, with the pet under general anesthesia. Depending on the situation, the rabbit may undergo the tooth removal procedure.

Finally, if there is a gum infection or abscesses in your pet’s mouth, the veterinarian may recommend treatment with antibiotics and painkillers.