Dental disease is the most common health problem in companion rabbits, causing chronic pain and often going undetected until advanced, requiring specialized veterinary care.
Rabbit dental disease is a hidden welfare crisis affecting the vast majority of pet rabbits at some point in their lives. The continuously growing teeth that allow rabbits to process tough plant material in the wild become a welfare liability when abnormal growth creates misaligned teeth, spurs on molars cutting the tongue and cheeks, and pain during eating. Because rabbits are prey animals that mask pain effectively, dental disease often goes undetected until animals are in significant discomfort. Regular veterinary examination including palpation and oral inspection is essential for early detection. Prevention through appropriate diet - high-fiber hay comprising 80%+ of diet - promotes normal tooth wear.