Companion Animals

Rabbit Dental Disease: Preventing and Managing Malocclusion

Dental disease is the most common health problem in pet rabbits, with malocclusion and dental abscesses causing significant pain and difficulty eating if not properly managed.

Key Facts

Rabbits have continuously growing teeth that require constant wear through hay consumption
Malocclusion affects both incisors and cheek teeth (molars and premolars)
Dental spurs and overgrowths cause painful ulcers on the tongue and cheeks
Tooth root abscesses in rabbits are notoriously difficult to treat and may require surgery
Adequate hay (at least 80% of diet) is the single most important preventive measure

Welfare Considerations

Dental pain in rabbits is often underdiagnosed because rabbits are prey animals that hide signs of illness. Reduced appetite, selective eating, and weight loss are key indicators. By the time owners notice, significant pain has often already occurred. Regular veterinary dental examinations under anaesthesia, combined with owner observation of eating behaviour, are essential for early detection.

What You Can Do

Feed unlimited timothy or meadow hay as the primary diet - this is essential for dental health
Book annual veterinary dental examinations for your rabbit
Monitor eating habits weekly - reluctance to eat pellets or hay signals possible dental pain
Choose rabbits from breeders who prioritise dental health in breeding decisions
Learn to identify signs of dental pain: tooth grinding, drooling, facial swelling