Dentals

I took Oliver in for his VHD jab and the result of the trip is that he needs a dental. His teeth are apparently growing to one side and the edges are getting sharp. Ebs is going to need a dental in the future too. I'm totally gutted and feel like I've failed them but this thread isn't about me wallowing and fishing for compliments on the care of my rabbits

At the moment he is booked in for his dental on Monday - they go to a generic none specialist vet because thankfully, up until now, all they've needed veterinary attention for is nail clipping and vaccinations. Would they be better going to a vet in Northampton who is specialised in small animals for something like a dental?

Also, they are due to go into boarding on Thursday, so 4 days after his dental - is that too soon after his dental? Would it be better for him to wait until I can be home with him for a longer stretch (only a week later). Obviously, I have total respect and trust in Tracy when it comes to her taking care of my buns and I will discuss this with her, but I just want some general opinions on it.

It's our first dental so I'm more than a tad apprehensive. Thanks for reading

Its not just diet that affects their need for a dental, genetics and all sorts can play a part, so definitely don't feel like you failed them. Yes, maybe adjust their diet, but at the end of the day you're getting them the treatment they need which is why you're not failing them.

With regards to your questions, that's difficult to answer. If he bounces back fine, then boarding then will be no problem, but if he takes a couple of days, or isn't even right after 4 days then you may have to have a rethink if that's feasible.

Do you feel comfortable letting these vets do the dental?

Blackberry has teeth that grow sideways - he needs a dental every 10 - 12 weeks. No amount of hay eating will change the direction his teeth grow in, so don't feel bad if you have a bun with wonky teeth.

I use a large practice who have several vets - each has their speciality. Blackie's had 3 dentals now, each by a different vet, and they have all been equally well done. Ask you vet how confident he/she is with the operation. If you're not happy then try a more specialist vet.

Blackie is home the same day (with an indoor overnight stay to keep him warm), and is back to is normal self pretty much straight away Hopefully your bun will be too.

One of my rabbits has to have his teeth 'clipped' quite often and has until now had this procedure done under anaesthetic, which we don't like. Luckily we've found a vet who can perform this clipping without putting him under. Obviously we worry either way about how this affects him but he does tend to recover quite quickly once they are done and starts eating immediately. Last time he had it done the vet did clip too short and his little mouth bled for a while and although sore it still didn't stop him eating which was good. I don't think you need to worry too much, just keep an eye on your rabbit for a couple of days and if in any doubt return to your vet. xx :wave:

Thanks for the two prompt replies

Their diet is as best as it can be. They do get the odd bit of banana/soft food as a treat but it is all hay, dark green 'tough' veggies and I'm very very sparing/downright mean with the pellets - they don't get them everyday! I asked the vet if there was anything I could possibly do to help the situation but she said it sounded like I'd done everything anyway.

I don't think I know enough about dentals to have an opinion one way or the other on how I feel about them doing the procedure. I guess I'm concerned about the GA etc.

Is it worthwhile me getting one of those vet bed/snuggle safe/whatever they're called that you all use, to aid his recovery?

Is he an indoor or outdoor bun?

Mine are outdoors, and Blackie has to stay in the warm because they can't regulate their body heat properly after a GA.

Small animals GAs are sooo much safer nowadays

It's natural to worry, we're all the same. You'll be slightly less of a nervous wreck after the first one is safely done and out of the way

They're free ranging indoor buns So I'm not sure what I'd need to do once I got him home

I've had dental buns. When he gets home, give him somewhere nice and quiet and warm to relax, and make sure he has access to his favourite foods because this will encourage him to eat. Schumi used to have his food soaked in water when he'd had a dental as he found it easier to munch.

Vibes for little Oliver!

I've also found that sending Blackie's own litter tray, litter, a small bag of hay and his own pellets and favourite foods with him to be used at the vets meant he would eat and poop much more quickly. I also send a snuggly blankie.

He will poop at the vets if I send his litter tray, but not if I don't. He feels more at home with his own bits and pieces, so he eats and poops more quickly and can come home sooner

Blackberry & Co said:

I've also found that sending Blackie's own litter tray, litter, a small bag of hay and his own pellets and favourite foods with him to be used at the vets meant he would eat and poop much more quickly. I also send a snuggly blankie.

He will poop at the vets if I send his litter tray, but not if I don't. He feels more at home with his own bits and pieces, so he eats and poops more quickly and can come home sooner

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Okay, will buy a small snuggly blanket - they have a large underbed storage box as a litter tray and a picnic blanket for snuggling so I can't really send either of those with him to the vet.

I think I'm going to cancel it until I've come back from my trip, in the mean time I can get him seen by the vet in Northampton

Had a call from the vets a short while ago. Oliver is waking up from his GA and I can go pick him up at 5.

I've worried myself sick all morning and not sure I feel any better yet. I just want him home. Poor Ebs is wandering out the house looking lost!

Is there anything I can do for him when I get him home this afternoon? Maybe turn the heating up for him?

Well, we've been home a while. He's a bit of a space cadet.

He's had a little bit of a nom on hay, a big wee and some poo. I've moved their litter tray etc into to the living room so I can keep a close eye on them for the night. Plus it's warmer in here too. We have a follow up appointment on Thursday and then they're both off to stay with Auntie Tracy!

Sorry to bore you all with a thread that isn't cute and fluffy

Not boring at all!

Glad he came through it well

Thanks Blackberry - and thank you for taking the time to respond :wave:

I'm still worried about him even though he's home

Sounds as though he is doing really well as he has already eaten and poo'd.
I am sure that he will be much brighter by the morning when the remains of the GA will have worn off.

Rachie said:

Thanks Blackberry - and thank you for taking the time to respond :wave:

I'm still worried about him even though he's home

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It sounds like he's doing really well, and being in his own surroundings will help him relax

I bet by tomorrow he's back to his old self

How is he doing today? :wave: