PALESTINE — Rabbits and other exotic animals must have proper dental care to stay healthy.
According to Dr. Mark Mitchell, an exotic animal veterinarian at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, proper dental care is an essential part of exotic pet ownership. The animal that has the highest occurrence of dental issues is the rabbit.
The mouth of a rabbit is much different than that of a dog or cat, which can present some unique challenges for owners and veterinarians. Rabbits' teeth are unique compared to those in Fido's mouth, in that the teeth of a rabbit grow continuously throughout its lifetime.
As with most things in nature, the form of rabbits' teeth is certainly a result of their function. As an herbivore the rabbit spends much of its time chewing on fibrous plant material, which allows the teeth to be worn down naturally. However, several factors can contribute to the improper growth, position, or wear-down of the teeth, which can lead to a problem known as malocclusion.
"Malocclusion is unfortunately a very common problem in rabbits and other species with hypsodont teeth," explains Dr. Mitchell. "This issue arises when a rabbit's tooth becomes overgrown as a result of improper wearing. Causes of malocclusion and other dental issues in rabbits can range from the animal's genetics, to improper diet, to a vitamin D deficiency.
“Proper diet is critical for the prevention of malocclusion in a normal, healthy rabbit. Feed high-quality, long-stem fibrous hay, like timothy hay or Bermuda grass. Rabbit owners should also stay away from feeding only pellet-based diets, which do little to aid in the wear- down of your rabbit's teeth.”
Rabbits can also be genetically predisposed to problems with tooth overgrowth and malocclusion. Even with proper husbandry these rabbits will still have dental problems.
Malocclusion can be extremely painful and debilitating for our rabbit companions; however, since they have evolved as a prey species they are reluctant to show any sign that they are in pain or otherwise ill. If your rabbit is showing clinical signs of malocclusion such as decreased appetite, problems picking up or chewing food, lethargy, or decreased fecal matter in the cage it is important to schedule a visit with a veterinarian sooner rather than later.
Abscesses in the oral cavity or on the face can result from a malocclusion that goes untreated. If you notice any facial swelling, foul odor around the face or mouth, discharge from the mouth, or if the face is hot to the touch, these are all signs that your rabbit is in need of immediate veterinary attention.
Every rabbit, even if it seems completely healthy, should be scheduled for a physical exam at least once a year to ensure that all systems are functioning properly. Once your rabbit reaches the age of four these exams should increase in frequency to twice a year. At each physical exam your veterinarian should complete a thorough oral exam, which includes examining the oral cavity for any signs of disease and checking the growth and wear-down of the incisors, pre-molars, and molars.
This can sometimes be easier said than done. Your veterinarian may use an otoscope, the same instrument used to look in your pet's ears, with an extended cone to examine the pre-molars and molars located near the back of the rabbit's mouth. If your rabbit becomes stressed or is not in the mood to cooperate, your veterinarian may need to complete the exam under general anesthesia using an endoscope.
According to Dr. Mitchell, a thorough examination of the oral cavity is essential for proper diagnosis if your pet is showing any signs or symptoms of malocclusion since they can overlap with the signs seen with gastrointestinal issues. If all of the teeth are not inspected it would be easy for a veterinarian to diagnose a malocclusion of one of the hard to see pre-molars or molars as a gastrointestinal issue and miss the underlying cause of your rabbit's problem.
By using correct rabbit husbandry and seeing that your rabbit receives the proper preventive veterinary attention, owners can ensure that they will enjoy many happy years with their long-eared friends.
For more information regarding dental health for your rabbit or other exotic pet, contact your local veterinarian. Source : www.palestineherald.com
According to Dr. Mark Mitchell, an exotic animal veterinarian at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, proper dental care is an essential part of exotic pet ownership. The animal that has the highest occurrence of dental issues is the rabbit.
The mouth of a rabbit is much different than that of a dog or cat, which can present some unique challenges for owners and veterinarians. Rabbits' teeth are unique compared to those in Fido's mouth, in that the teeth of a rabbit grow continuously throughout its lifetime.
As with most things in nature, the form of rabbits' teeth is certainly a result of their function. As an herbivore the rabbit spends much of its time chewing on fibrous plant material, which allows the teeth to be worn down naturally. However, several factors can contribute to the improper growth, position, or wear-down of the teeth, which can lead to a problem known as malocclusion.
"Malocclusion is unfortunately a very common problem in rabbits and other species with hypsodont teeth," explains Dr. Mitchell. "This issue arises when a rabbit's tooth becomes overgrown as a result of improper wearing. Causes of malocclusion and other dental issues in rabbits can range from the animal's genetics, to improper diet, to a vitamin D deficiency.
“Proper diet is critical for the prevention of malocclusion in a normal, healthy rabbit. Feed high-quality, long-stem fibrous hay, like timothy hay or Bermuda grass. Rabbit owners should also stay away from feeding only pellet-based diets, which do little to aid in the wear- down of your rabbit's teeth.”
Rabbits can also be genetically predisposed to problems with tooth overgrowth and malocclusion. Even with proper husbandry these rabbits will still have dental problems.
Malocclusion can be extremely painful and debilitating for our rabbit companions; however, since they have evolved as a prey species they are reluctant to show any sign that they are in pain or otherwise ill. If your rabbit is showing clinical signs of malocclusion such as decreased appetite, problems picking up or chewing food, lethargy, or decreased fecal matter in the cage it is important to schedule a visit with a veterinarian sooner rather than later.
Abscesses in the oral cavity or on the face can result from a malocclusion that goes untreated. If you notice any facial swelling, foul odor around the face or mouth, discharge from the mouth, or if the face is hot to the touch, these are all signs that your rabbit is in need of immediate veterinary attention.
Every rabbit, even if it seems completely healthy, should be scheduled for a physical exam at least once a year to ensure that all systems are functioning properly. Once your rabbit reaches the age of four these exams should increase in frequency to twice a year. At each physical exam your veterinarian should complete a thorough oral exam, which includes examining the oral cavity for any signs of disease and checking the growth and wear-down of the incisors, pre-molars, and molars.
This can sometimes be easier said than done. Your veterinarian may use an otoscope, the same instrument used to look in your pet's ears, with an extended cone to examine the pre-molars and molars located near the back of the rabbit's mouth. If your rabbit becomes stressed or is not in the mood to cooperate, your veterinarian may need to complete the exam under general anesthesia using an endoscope.
According to Dr. Mitchell, a thorough examination of the oral cavity is essential for proper diagnosis if your pet is showing any signs or symptoms of malocclusion since they can overlap with the signs seen with gastrointestinal issues. If all of the teeth are not inspected it would be easy for a veterinarian to diagnose a malocclusion of one of the hard to see pre-molars or molars as a gastrointestinal issue and miss the underlying cause of your rabbit's problem.
By using correct rabbit husbandry and seeing that your rabbit receives the proper preventive veterinary attention, owners can ensure that they will enjoy many happy years with their long-eared friends.
For more information regarding dental health for your rabbit or other exotic pet, contact your local veterinarian. Source : www.palestineherald.com
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