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Remus' Malocclusion: Honest Opinions Needed Please, things are really bad...

B

Bex

Warren Scout
We've had a horrid few months. Since Remus turned a year old he's had continued dentals for his molar malocclusion, it's got to the point now where he has a dental, takes about a week to get back to eating, has a week of bliss before his eyes begin to water once more.

This last time he has completely refused to eat any form of hay or dried grass and I know this going to make things even worse, I've tried to restrict all other types of food and he simply goes into starvation. I have a suspision that perhaps we have simply got to the stage where the hay hurts his mouth too much, but this is probably just my unmedical opinion fearing the worse.

My vet has suggested that perhaps the kindest thing is to have him put to sleep.
However I brought up the idea of molar removal but the vets say that it would be highly risky because the roots appear to be so badly intertwined.

He's so young though, and I am truely devestated. As much as I love all my buns Remus was my first bunny and is so special to me.

I really need some experienced, honest advice. Is there anything else I can do?
Thank you all so much
x
 
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Molar removal is quite involved! Patch has to have a dental next week to file down a molar - only one, and he's been fine for the last year, but has to be done - he's over-shot so his jaw isnt alligned properly... I asked the vet about removing that particular molar and she said she wouldnt do it, he's have to go to a special veterinary dental technician because they have to break the jaw to get them out!

Do you feed him pellets or mix?

Patch is fussy about the hay too, but prefers the excel super forage and we give him willow twigs to gnaw on too..
 
Thankyou for replying Theresaclaire, I hadn't actually been told they have to break the jaw to remove molars :(

As far as feeding goes, he's always been fed pellets since we had im as a baby, and has always had a good mix of hays and grasses. He genuinely got to a year old and then started having problems with his teeth had a couple of successful dentals and now strictly refuses hays or grasses. I've tried the hay experts taster pack and several other brands of hay and grass including just dried grass and forage.

Additionally he has always had access to sticks to chew on (our willow trees can back me up on this one) and as testiment to this his front teeth are beautifully trim. The vet confirms that its a case of congenital malocclusion due to him being a Harlequin/Nethie cross.

Please does anybody have any advice?
 
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really sorry to hear about remus:(

thought i'd give you a boost though. Obi my house bun hasn't got any front teeth, they were removed before i had him. All i know is that he must of been in a bad state to have them removed (according to my vet).

But basically he manages extremely well now. he eats large pieces of hay without trouble (like eating spaghetti). And the only thing i've got to do that is different is to chop up his veg small. So providing he can get it in his mouth he's fine!.

It must be a very difficult situation to be in, and there are no quick fixes. You obviously seem very dedicated to his care and i hope that this will pay off what ever you choose to do.

If it were me and this is only my opinion, so do with it what you will! I'd go for it, it cant be nice iving from week to week, for you or remus. If you let him go you'll only wished that you'd tried. If you try who know what could happen.

I wish you and remus all the very best, it must be such a difficult decision and my heart is with you. :angel: I'll ask Gizmo and nibbs who are no longer with us to watch over and look after you all.

Gem
 
Thank you so much Gem it means alot.
My heart tells me to try this whole extraction thing but theres a doubt deep down that says I'm doomed either way. He's currently a period of pain free time where he can eat freely but I know its only a matter of time before it begins again.

I'm truely devestated, it really doesn't seem fair, there must be people who take terrible care of their bunnies and they go on to live hassle free, pain free, long lives.
 
Has Remus had an Xray of his skull to properly assess his tooth roots?
Molar extraction is more complicated than incisor extraction *but* it does not *always* involve the jaw being broken. A fracture may occur if the Bun has osteomyelitis (common in Buns with elongated tooth roots).
I have had a few Buns with advanced Dental Disease and they have gradually lost molar teeth during repeated Dentals. None of them ever sustained a jaw fracture.

I would advise you to ask your Vet for a referal to a Dental Speacialist

This chap is very good

http://www.dacross.com/

He holds clinics all over the UK

Janex
 
There are a few vets that use a technique to file the molars without anaesthetic. If it's taking him a week to recover after the op that may improve that. If you can get him eating again quickly then it will help increase the gap between ops. A week without eating hay could be 1-2mm of regrowth.


Tam
 
Fresh grass encourages them to chem really well, and is obv much softer than hays - can you increase his access to fresh grass?
 
Bex,

As said before if you can find a vet who will trim his molars without anaesthetic that will help. I don't know where you are but there is a good one in Watford. I know other people on here know of some more. I had two buns with molar problems I looked into removal but it didnt seem an option as they were too old. at 8 and 9.

Good luck, thinking of you and Remus.
 
I have heard (don't know if it's true tho') that rabbits with extreme dental misallignment can do better eating foods that DON'T wear the teeth down. The issue being that if only PART of the tooth is wearing down through chewing, spurs will develop more quickly if they chew lots of hay/grass/etc.

Like I say, I don't know if this is true, but perhaps it might be worth a try before a drastic option like PTS?

Amy
 
Thanks Jane, this advice has helped me too - I was just told by my vet that if Patch's molar had to be removed it would involve having his jaw broken, but if he ever has a problem like Bex's bunny, i'll need you for dentist advice!!! - that's good news huh Bex - hopefully there'll be something which can be done for your bunny - I wouldnt let him go too quickly... Sending good vibes and hoping your bun doesn't get more pain!!!
 
I just want to say please dont give up on him yet until you have explored every avenue.

I got my bunny Fiver from a pet shop on a whim and he has gone on to develop molar issues. I am happy to treat them but have to admit I spend everyday greatful that I took him and not someone else who would have given up on him at the first £60 :?
 
Bex, as you know I have problems with my Homey's teeth too. You have to explore every avenue before you make a decision to PTS - I really hope that it does not come to this and that someone can help Remus. As I have mentioned before and someone else on this thread, try and find a vet that will do his teeth without the anaesthetic and see how that goes. Mine is in Cheshire if you live anwhere near there and he does it without anaesthetic.

I know they are not easy to find. Maybe call the one that Jane has put a link to as he may know of someone near your area that can do this (it looks like he trains vets so may know someone).

Good luck to you and Remus, I am thinking of you both.
 
Where abouts do you live..
there are vets who will burr his teeth without GA in Gamston East notts and In Radford West Coventry...may be worht travelling or asking someone in those areas to take him for you:D
 
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