Dental disease is the most common health problem in pet rabbits, causing chronic pain that is often undetected by owners, and is largely preventable through appropriate diet.
Rabbits are prey animals that instinctively hide pain, making dental disease particularly dangerous. An owner may notice nothing until their rabbit stops eating, by which time the condition may be advanced and require anaesthesia and dental surgery. The root cause in most cases is insufficient hay consumption. Hay should make up at least 80% of the diet, providing the lateral chewing action needed for proper tooth wear. Pellets and high-sugar treats should be minimised or eliminated.