Marlin's teeth - need help!

Ordered mine- thanks!

I think the right calcium: phosphorus ratio is needed to form the teeth properly and not excrete too much in the urine. So, if calcium is way higher than phosphorus, the teeth won't be made strong and the calcium will instead be eliminated out the urinary tract. It's kind of an area I've been really interested in lately, how rabbits deal with calcium, and some more recent research has been saying that rabbit tooth problems can be a side effect of too much calcium in the diet, just like sludge is sometimes. Anyway I hope we can figure this out.

tonyshuman wrote:

I think the right calcium: phosphorus ratio is needed to form the teeth properly and not excrete too much in the urine. So, if calcium is way higher than phosphorus, the teeth won't be made strong and the calcium will instead be eliminated out the urinary tract. It's kind of an area I've been really interested in lately, how rabbits deal with calcium, and some more recent research has been saying that rabbit tooth problems can be a side effect of too much calcium in the diet, just like sludge is sometimes. Anyway I hope we can figure this out.

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I see! :thumbup Thanks Claire. So it is the ratio that is really important? How do I find out about the ratio in my bun's pellets? Just work it out based on the nutritional values on the back?

Jen

Well, hopefully the diet can be figured out - I'll feed whatever is best for him and not worry about the cost of it. I wonder if for right now I should just start feeding Marlin only Oxbow BBT pellets and his usually random veggies (carrot top leaves, parsely, red leaf lettuce, and cilantro)?

I'm just glad Ryan is being really supportive of this - normally he complains about money, but hes been good with the bunnies lately. He just said we will get it all figured out. He even offered to take Marlin to the vet for me on Friday, so I can go to groom school at my regular time, but I told him I really need to be there for it. I told him he doesn't have to go with me, but he wants to .

Looking at this, I've become aware of how desperately lacking in dental knowledge I am. I've trimmed teeth in the past and I have done the filing, but I just don't know that much about animal dentistry in general. I must do some reading!!!

Jen

Well, we leave for the vet in 2 hours. I am bringing my camera along to photograph the xrays and whatever else so I can show you guys - I figure it might be good for the library too.

Good luck! I hope all goes well

Jen

So my vet is VERY rabbit knowledgeable, which is awesome :biggrin:!

We didn't get xrays done since Dr. Batt felt around and isn't worried about an abcess being up in there. She did say his bottom (I think?) peg teeth are next to the bottom teeth, rather then behind them where they are supposed to be.

She said that his teeth are that way due to genetics, not from his diet. He is on metacam once a day for 3 weeks (in case his tooth is causing discomfort) and she wants me to get in touch with her in 3 weeks to let her know if his chipped tooth has grown back out "normal". I also need to look at his teeth twice a day to see if the chipped tooth has possibly broke off...and to just make sure they aren't getting worse. She was going to file his chipped tooth down, but decided against it since I am going to be keeping a close eye on it.

She said there is a possibility of having to remove the teeth, but we will see about that at our next appointment in 3 weeks. She said it is good that his teeth are wearing each other down or else it would be more serious. She explained that we could remove the chipped tooth (if it doesn't get better), but we'd also have to remove the tooth below that because at that point that tooth wouldn't be able to wear down. She said if that needs to happen, then we might as well just remove all 4 front teeth because she isn't sure leaving the other 2 would be a good idea.

So, all in all I think we will be okay and she definitely made me feel much better about this situation . The total today was $84, so not bad!

you must be so relieved !!! im really happy for you

Thank you, Tiffany !

Brilliant! I am very glad it is all under control and being sorted so well.

Jen

Oh good news Amy, I'm glad you have a good Vet who has seen things like this. Paws crossed for the best outcome for Marlin.

Not sure how I missed this Amy, I'm sorry, but so glad all is well with Marlin. Hugs.