This rabbit came to the hospital with symptoms of reduced appetite, drooling, and a constantly wet chin.

After examination, the veterinarian found that the rabbit’s teeth were excessively long and had developed sharp points. These sharp edges had pierced the tongue and cheek pouch, causing pain while eating.

Pre-anesthetic Health Evaluation in Rabbits

Before performing any dental procedures, the veterinarian conducted a full physical examination, blood tests, and radiographs (X-rays) to assess the rabbit’s overall health and determine whether anesthesia would be safe.
This is a crucial step to ensure maximum safety during dental treatment.

**Image 1:** Intraoral view showing the lower molars, which have formed sharp triangular points that pierce the side of the tongue.

**Image 2:** Another angled view of the lower molars showing abnormal sharp edges pressing into the tongue.

**Image 3:** Intraoral view of the upper molars, which have elongated and formed sharp points that pierce the inside of the cheek.

Causes of Overgrown Teeth in Rabbits

Rabbits’ teeth grow continuously throughout their lives. If the teeth do not wear down evenly, they can become overgrown or misaligned, leading to pain and various health problems. Common causes include:

Congenital dental abnormalities
Insufficient intake of roughage (e.g., hay)
Eating mostly pellets, soft vegetables, or fruits
Improper chewing patterns, causing uneven dental wear

Signs of Dental Problems in Rabbits

Owners can look for early warning signs through behavior and general health changes, such as:

Reduced appetite
Smaller or fewer fecal pellets
Drooling and a consistently wet chin
Avoiding hard foods or showing discomfort while chewing

Treatment

Following the health evaluation, blood tests, and X-rays, the rabbit was found healthy enough to undergo inhalant anesthesia. The veterinarian proceeded with the following treatments:

Treatment Steps

Dental trimming (tooth burring):
To shorten overgrown teeth and correct uneven wear, relieving pain and preventing further injury.
Anti-inflammatory medication:
Used when there is significant inflammation or ulceration in the mouth to help reduce pain and allow the rabbit to eat normally again.
Antibiotics:
Given if there is evidence of bacterial infection.
Thorough oral cleaning:
To remove trapped debris, bacteria, and contaminants that may worsen inflammation.
Supportive feeding with liquid diet:
Provided when the mouth is sore or ulcerated, ensuring adequate nutrition, supporting gut motility, and promoting faster recovery.

**Image 4:** Dental procedure in a rabbit. Inhalant anesthesia is required before trimming the teeth safely and effectively.

**Image 5:** Intraoral view of the rabbit after dental trimming. The sharp points that were piercing the tongue and cheek pouch have been removed.

Long-Term Care and Prevention

Proper nutrition is essential in preventing recurrent dental issues. Because rabbit teeth grow continuously, they must wear down naturally through chewing.

Recommendations for Long-Term Care

Provide a high-fiber diet:
Such as coarse, long-strand hay to naturally wear down the teeth.
Limit soft foods:
Including pellets and soft fruits/vegetables, as they do not promote dental wear.
Avoid excessive high-calcium foods:
To prevent urinary issues and other metabolic problems that may indirectly affect dental health.
Regular oral and dental checkups:
Especially for rabbits with a history of dental overgrowth or malocclusion.

Monitoring at Home

Observe eating behavior:
Slow chewing, preference for soft foods, or reduced food intake may indicate dental discomfort.
Check feces and urine patterns:
Smaller fecal pellets or changes in urination may signal inadequate food intake or gastrointestinal issues related to pain.

Consistent care and appropriate diet can greatly reduce the chance of recurrence and help rabbits maintain good health and quality of life over the long term.