Dental disease is the most common health problem in pet rabbits, causing chronic pain and requiring lifelong management through appropriate diet and veterinary care.
Dental disease in rabbits causes chronic, often silent suffering. Rabbits with painful teeth continue to eat (though with difficulty) and appear outwardly normal to untrained eyes. The pain associated with abnormal molar contact or growing spurs causes significant welfare compromise that is frequently missed until the condition is advanced. Dietary prevention through adequate hay provision is the most powerful welfare intervention available to rabbit owners and must be emphasised by vets at every health check.