Dental disease is the single most significant health and welfare problem affecting pet rabbits in the UK. An estimated 60–70% of rabbits presented to small animal veterinary practices have some form of dental disease, and the majority are in chronic pain by the time they are seen. Unlike dogs and cats, rabbits have continuously growing (elodont) teeth throughout life — and any disruption to normal tooth growth leads to progressive, painful malocclusion that cannot be cured, only managed.
Misalignment of the front teeth (incisors) — visible to owners. Causes overgrowth, trauma to lips and tongue, and inability to groom. Often indicates underlying cheek tooth disease.
The most serious and most common form — molar spurs, elongated roots, and jaw bone changes affecting the back teeth. Owners rarely notice until disease is advanced. Caused by inadequate hay consumption leading to insufficient lateral jaw movement to maintain correct dental wear.
Dental disease in rabbits is strongly linked to inadequate hay consumption. Hay provides the lateral chewing action required to maintain correct molar wear — pellets and soft foods do not. Prevention requires:
Dental examination requires general anaesthesia — it is impossible to properly examine rabbit molars in a conscious rabbit:
Repeat treatments every 3–12 months are typically required for life once dental disease is established — this is a management condition, not a curable one.