![]() When rabbits suffer from dental disease, they eat less to avoid pain and then their general health starts to deteriorate. In most cases, improper diets are the source of dental problems. Some rabbits are prone to dental infections others don’t get enough calcium, which weakens the jaw and surrounding bones. Trauma to the face may result in lost or damaged teeth or malocclusion (misalignment of teeth). Overgrown roots in upper teeth can cause blocked tear ducts and lumps behind the eyes. Sometimes teeth come in with an overgrowth, other times they grow in crooked and affect the bite. Under ideal conditions, the incisors will touch when the jaw is at rest, but the molars will not.ĭental disease can be caused from a variety of reasons. They have six incisors (the teeth you see in front) and premolars and molars in their cheeks. Rabbits wear down their teeth at a rate of about 3 mm per week. Unfortunately, the most common source of health problems among rabbits stems from their teeth. They use their teeth to eat and for the exercise and mental stimulation associated with chewing. However, for females, neutering before the age of two months helps prevent uterine and breast diseases.Ĭhewing is a vital way that rabbits relate to their world. Neutering should not be done before four months of age. This ranges between four and six months for small to medium-sized rabbits and up to nine months for the giant breeds. Rabbits should be neutered around the time they reach sexual maturity. For male rabbits, neutering is recommended to prevent aggressive behavior and urine spraying. Neutering also prevents breast disease, which is far less prevalent, but spreads quickly when it does occur. In fact, in some rabbit populations, incidents of malignant uterine cancer have been documented as high as 80%. In addition to avoiding pregnancy, female rabbits are susceptible to uterine cancer and other uterine diseases. Neutering male and female pet rabbits is generally recommended. ![]() Be sure to talk to your vet about future availability for vaccinations against these diseases. In the U.K., rabbits are being vaccinated to prevent these toxic diseases, but no vaccinations are currently available in the U.S. ![]() However, two diseases are spreading among rabbits worldwide - myxomatosis and viral hemorrhagic disease. are not required to receive any specific vaccinations. Also discuss grooming requirements with your vet to be sure you understand the proper procedures and agree on what the vet will do.Īt this time, pet rabbits in the U.S. Be sure to prepare for the visit by assembling information about where you obtained your bunny, the daily care you give, including diet and exercise, a description of the rabbit's environment and normal behaviors and any concerns you may have about your pet's health or behaviors. Then plan on taking your rabbit for a vet visit once a year. The first visit gives the vet an opportunity to establish a baseline for the bunny's health and to identify any potential health issues. Like all pets, it is important to take your rabbit for its first vet examination as soon as you possibly can. ![]()
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