Rabbit Dental Care

Although our sick buck doesn't have elongated, or even misaligned teeth, he does have a damaged tooth, which, although unpreventable(in this case), could have been found more quickly and removed, improving his quality of life. Therefore, I would like to take today to help others prevent this problem and others, by giving tips on preventative rabbit dental care. I believe in the case of our buck, it was simply improper utilization of calcium, as his claws are also weak, that has created this mess, possibly caused by his advanced age. He is a five year old Silver Fox rabbit, and I am told it is rare for them to live beyond the age of three.

1. Greens, greens, greens! They contain fiber which is vital for a rabbit's health and "chew" which is vital for keeping their teeth filed down. Be sure, if your rabbit has not eaten greens recently or you don't know what they have eaten in the past, to introduce them SLOWLY so their bodies can adjust to the new food. Rabbits need time to develop the proper enzymes for digesting a certain food. Introduce any and all new foods one at a time and watch closely for allergic reactions. Allergies to new foods can be as fatal in rabbits as people. As always, always be absolutely certain of what you are giving as well. Make SURE you know what it is and if it's safe for rabbits. If you know for sure, check again. I have a neighbor who gives his rabbits what he claims to be one thing and I know for a fact it is not. I looked it up. Do not rely on what you knew when you were growing up. The people who introduced you to an item could be erring. Get your knowledge from an expert at all times.
2. Apple branches-help file down teeth, the wider the better. Watch them, though, because your rabbit WILL chew off the bark and leave the rest. That is when it is time for a new branch!
3. Carrot tops and other high-calcium snacks-should be used in moderation unless you know for a fact your rabbit is lacking in calcium. There is such a thing as too much of a good thing, especially with rabbits!
4. Watch your rabbit - a change in eating habits, including chewing objects that aren't usually on his menu may indicate discomfort. Especially if he suddenly decides to chew smaller, softer food items.
5. Have your rabbit examined regularly-if we hadn't examined this buck, he would have surely died of starvation. We didn't know what was going on. Luckily, I decided to check his mouth. It is my personal opinion a split tooth is cause to visit the veterinarian immediately. My associate disagrees. Personally, I do believe a great number of ailments can be treated naturally at home without surgery, but I don't believe this is one of them.

I hope, using these tips, that you never have the problems I am and that your rabbit never suffers. If you do, however, please do not hesitate to take your rabbit to the veterinarian if at all possible. Your rabbit need not suffer nor does it need to be killed. Tooth extractions are fairly commonplace and rabbits often go on to live long, healthy lives afterword. I don't recommend BREEDING a rabbit with a lot of dental problems, but they can be have wonderful lives as somebody's pets.