Dental disease is the most common health problem in pet rabbits, causing chronic pain and often life-threatening complications if not addressed early.
Dental disease in rabbits causes severe chronic pain that profoundly affects quality of life. Rabbits mask pain effectively as prey species, meaning significant disease is often present before owners notice changes. Molar spurs cutting into the tongue cause constant oral pain with every attempt to eat. Rabbits in pain from dental disease may stop eating, leading to fatal gastrointestinal stasis within 24-48 hours. The single most important preventive measure is feeding unlimited hay, which many owners fail to provide. Regular veterinary dental examinations including radiographs from 2-3 years of age can detect problems before they become severe.