need help on rabbits overgrown tooth please

Smashing

DIY dentistry on overgrown front teeth is no longer recommended. Clipping places extreme forces on the tooth, compressing the sensitive pulp further up the tooth and sending a shock wave through the skull. It’s painful (which is why rabbits hate it) and it can also shatter the tooth roots, leading to infection.

This is a job for a vet, who can also check for further dental problems.

tankgirl1

Please see a vet, and ensure your rabbit always has a supply of fresh hay available - they must be able to graze 24 hours a day.

just to second what eels 100 said- in my experience this problem is often due to the fact that owners are unaware that bunnys need to graze constantly, in order to keep the teeth worn down.

it is also important for their digestive systems, so a constant supply of hay is vital.

hth

tankgirl1

oh, and burring a bunnys teeth is a quick and simple job if it is done correctly. i have done it many times, and never had any problems.

loopydonna

When I kept rabbits, I used to give them hard dog biscuits to nibble on which helped keep their teeth down. They are much cheaper than the proper mineral stones you can buy.

MonkeySaving?

The mineral stones also need to be given in moderation as it can lead to a build up of calcium in the rabbit, leading to kidney stones (which can onset gastric stasis). Tankgirl1 had it in one, they <NEED> a constant supply of hay/straw to keep the teeth in check, also add things like untreated wood blocks for them to nibble on and ensure that you're not just feeding them the all in one mixes (they need a variety of food, to combat selectivity)
You can also partially avoid this problem by buying your rabbit through a professional breeder, pet shop store bought rabbits are notorious for providing inbred i.e brother/sister kits, which are prone to all sorts of health issues. What you pay extra for a pedigree bun, you'll save in vets fees
I'm not sure about the dog biscuits idea?..don't they contain meat substitute?

buxtonrabbitgreen

I just thought that the people who suggest I took the rabbit to the vet might like an update (make a donation) Sorry I couldnt find my original thread. The tooth clipping went ok and I got his toe nails trimmed as well. But as I feared things were not that straight forward, the weepy eye ( I din't mention that as it got better in the summer so I thought it was just the cold weather) is apparantly caused by the rather rotten molars. The vet suggested an operation to
take out his back teeth and flush the tear ducts. And the cost £200. :mad: Well I am not (can't afford to spend that much on an old rabbit.) The vet has given me some eye drops for him. Even without the operation it has cost £50. Would anyone spend £250 on a rabbit that surely can't be much longer for this world.?

tanith

What a coincidence ....... my daughter has had the same problem of weepy eyes with one of her dwarf rabbits the vet says it is caused by the teeth too. he has flushed out the tearducts and given anti-biotics and so far this has cost over £100 . Its so difficult when its a much loved pet.. I guess only you can decide... My daughter says she can't afford to pay anymore out to the vet but her rabbit is only a few months old so she is going to ask the vet what are the alternatives.. I suspect he will suggest surgery also and I just know my daughter won't be able to afford... I guess this is one of the downsides of pet owners.... what a shame you have to make such a decision.... good luck with it.....

Timmne

It hurt me getting our rabbit neutered for £50! I didn't particularly like him then though as he was smelly and mardy. He's far better now and probably worth £50....

No balls gets rid of a whole load of bunny-issues, he's a new boy now!!

play2day

Is your rabbit likely to survive the aneathetic? Lotsof bunnies turn up thier toes on the table and you still have a bill to pay!
Consider your rabbits age and how long he would have left naturally. If your bunny is the rabbit equivelent of an octogenarian it may be kinder and wiser to give him the big needle?

Zara33

Do they do pet insurance with bunnies, like they do with cats and dogs?

Guess who has no pets lol