Dental disease is the most common serious health problem in pet rabbits, with significant welfare implications and strong prevention potential through appropriate diet.
Rabbit dental disease is largely a preventable welfare problem created by inappropriate husbandry. The fundamental issue is that most pet rabbits are fed diets dominated by pellets and fresh vegetables rather than the hay that wears teeth correctly. Dental disease develops gradually and may be well established before showing obvious symptoms - rabbits mask pain effectively. The chronic pain of dental disease, including tongue ulceration from overgrown teeth, represents significant ongoing welfare compromise in a large proportion of pet rabbits. Diet correction prevents the problem; regular veterinary checks catch it early.