Dental disease is the most common health problem in pet rabbits and causes significant chronic pain. Prevention through appropriate diet and regular veterinary checks protects rabbit welfare.
Rabbit dental disease causes chronic pain that is commonly unrecognized until it becomes severe because rabbits mask discomfort effectively. Sharp molar spurs that develop when teeth do not wear evenly cut into the tongue and cheeks with every chewing motion, causing constant pain during eating. Affected rabbits progressively reduce food intake leading to weight loss, gut stasis, and deteriorating body condition. Many rabbits with dental disease have been suffering for months or years before diagnosis. Regular veterinary dental examination under sedation or anesthesia is essential for early detection as the cheek teeth cannot be visualized without appropriate equipment.