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🐰 Rabbit Dental Welfare

Rabbit Dental Anatomy

Rabbit teeth are fundamentally different from those of cats and dogs. All rabbit teeth (incisors, premolars, and molars) are elodont — they grow continuously throughout life (2–3mm per month). For teeth to remain functional and comfortable, they must wear evenly through grinding fibrous vegetation. If wear is insufficient or abnormal, teeth grow unchecked, causing catastrophic problems.

Rabbits have:

• 4 incisor teeth (upper) and 2 lower incisors — visible at the front of the mouth
• Peg teeth (2 small upper incisors behind the main incisors)
• 10 premolars and molars (cheek teeth) — completely hidden inside the mouth

Dental Disease — Types and Welfare Impact

Acquired Dental Disease (EADD)

Elongation and abnormal wear of continuously growing teeth, leading to malalignment and overgrowth. The most common form in companion rabbits, primarily caused by insufficient hay intake. Progression:

1. Cheek teeth elongate and develop sharp spurs that lacerate the tongue and cheeks
2. Pain causes reduced eating → weight loss → GI stasis (life-threatening)
3. Roots elongate, causing jaw abscesses and bone infection
4. Incisors may then become affected as jaw anatomy is distorted

Hereditary Dental Disease

Brachycephalic (flat-faced) rabbit breeds — lops and some dwarf varieties — have compressed skull anatomy that causes inherent dental malalignment regardless of diet. These rabbits are predisposed to lifelong dental disease and require more frequent veterinary dental care. Breeding for extreme brachycephalic features is an ethical concern.

Incisor Malocclusion

Misalignment of incisor teeth causes them to overgrow without wearing, eventually creating curling tusks that prevent eating. Can be hereditary or result from jaw injury. Treatment requires regular clipping or extraction.

Recognising Dental Problems

Rabbits hide pain — dental disease is often advanced before owners notice. Watch for:

• Weight loss despite apparent eating
• Reduced food intake; preference for soft foods over hay
• Drooling or wet chin
• Reluctance to be handled around the face
• Discharge from one or both eyes (elongated tooth roots near the tear duct)
• Facial swelling (jaw abscess)
• Visible changes to incisor alignment or overgrowth

Annual veterinary dental examinations are essential — cheek teeth cannot be assessed without specialist equipment and often sedation.

Prevention — Diet is Fundamental

Hay: The Foundation

80–90% of a rabbit's diet must be good-quality hay (grass hay: timothy, meadow, or oat hay). The long fibres require extensive grinding action that wears cheek teeth correctly. This is not optional — it is the single most important factor in preventing dental disease.

Fresh Greens

Fresh leafy greens (kale, romaine lettuce, spring greens, herbs) provide variety and nutrition. Introduce gradually to avoid digestive upset. These alone do not provide adequate tooth wear.

Pellets — Limited and Plain

Pellets should be limited (1–2 tablespoons per kg bodyweight per day for adult rabbits) and plain rather than mixed muesli. Mixed muesli allows selective feeding of high-sugar ingredients and reduces hay intake.

Avoid: Sugary Treats, Fruits, Bread

These displace hay, provide no dental wear benefit, and contribute to obesity and GI problems.