Hi all! Im new to this forum and also new to rabbits, well new to pets full stop! Have never been a pet lover but when I met Lucky my heart just melted. I've had her for about a month now and she is really happy does her binkies morning and night, grooms me daily and loves to jump! I have noticed the last couple of days that she can't seem to bite through her veggies, even bok choy leaves. I have to cut it up into bite size pieces so she can eat it. She has no problems eating her hay though (which are long strands). I can't get into her mouth to have a look. Could something be wrong with her teeth or do you think she's just being lazy? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Advice please!
- Thread starter Lucky
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It sounds to me like your rabbit has a possible incisor malocclusion, due to the fact that she is continuing to eat hay but not able to eat foods that would normally require the incisors. You may be able to tell if she will let you lift her upper lip. Regardless, she will need to be seen by an experienced rabbit vet for a thorough dental exam to determine if this is the problem. If it is, she will need to have her overgrown incisors trimmed or burred down by the vet. Because rabbits teeth continue to grow throughout their lives, this is something that will need to be done every 6-8 weeks. Though if your rabbit is young and still growing, it's possible that the problem could correct itself as she continues to mature.
Here's some information on dental problems in rabbits, as well as a link for rabbit vets. It would be best to get an appointment asap, so it doesn't get to the point where she may not be able to eat at all on her own. In the meantime, keep a close eye on the amount she is eating and make sure she is drinking. If she is not eating enough on her own, you should get her into the vet right away so she doesn't develop other health issues due to decreased appetite.
http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Dental_diseases/Differential/D_problems1.htm
http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Dental_diseases/Treatment/Clipping.htm
http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/00dis/Miscellaneous/CongenIncisorAbnRabbits.htm
http://rabbit.org/vet-listings/
Here's some information on dental problems in rabbits, as well as a link for rabbit vets. It would be best to get an appointment asap, so it doesn't get to the point where she may not be able to eat at all on her own. In the meantime, keep a close eye on the amount she is eating and make sure she is drinking. If she is not eating enough on her own, you should get her into the vet right away so she doesn't develop other health issues due to decreased appetite.
http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Dental_diseases/Differential/D_problems1.htm
http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Dental_diseases/Treatment/Clipping.htm
http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/00dis/Miscellaneous/CongenIncisorAbnRabbits.htm
http://rabbit.org/vet-listings/
Vet check definitely--Stewart had to have his incisors trimmed every couple of months because of misalignment.
Thank you! I just wasn't sure and didn't want a vet bill for no reason. Shes eating her veggies (cut up) and lots of hay and drinking lots too but will definitely get her to a vet asap. Should really do that anyway for a general check up. Thank you JBun very informative information
Or, if you know anyone that is rabbit savvy, have them check the teeth and avoid the vet bill, possibly.
