Cheek teeth issues

[Shula]

One of my bunnies had to have a dental (under GA) to sort out his bottom cheek teeth both sides as they were rubbing his mouth and making him drool. We caught the issue quickly and there was no damage to his gums/tongue. Recovery was quick and all has seemed well.

However, just three weeks later, he is drooling again and I suspect the same issue - going to vet first thing tomorrow. Does anyone know if it is common for problems to recur this quickly? Surely he can't have a GA every three weeks to rasp his teeth? Sadly I don't think my bank balance can cope with this either at £220 a time.

He is a mini lop, and I understand they can be prone to dental issues, but I'm so confused as he is two and a half and hasn't had any issues prior to this. He eats plenty of hay and I've been giving him dandelion and burdock roots daily since the last surgery to give him extra chewing action.

Any thoughts or wisdom would be appreciated as I'm feeling very worried about how on earth this is going to be manageable for us...

 

[InspectorMorse]

Did the Vet take skull radiographs when the previous Dental was done ? This is necessary to assess the tooth roots. Knowing the condition of the tooth roots will provide a better overall picture of the exact nature of his Dental problems. It is impossible to say if it is likely that he will need Dentals every few weeks, sometimes a Rabbit can require one Dental and never need another one. Some can have more severe problems such as malocclusion and they might need Dentals every few weeks.

It is very important that the Vet managing the Dental problems is Rabbit savvy and the work done on the crowns of the teeth is appropriate for the specific issues the individual Rabbit has.

These links provide some detailed information about Rabbit Dental disease

http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Dental_diseases/Differential/Rabbit_dentistry.pdf

https://todaysveterinarynurse.com/dentistry/rabbit-dentistry/

http://www.medirabbit.com/Radiography/anatomical_lines.pdf

 

[a reader of books]

I'm sorry your bunny is having trouble so soon after his last dental. I don't know how common it is for another dental to be needed so quickly, but I've certainly have had the same experience with dental bunnies. My Tom has had times where there were only two or three weeks between dentals. Once only 10 days. My Casper has had times like that, too. But the good news is that just because there's three weeks between them now doesn't necessarily mean that will be the case for the next dental. It really can vary a lot how much times there will be between dentals. As for why he suddenly has developed dental problems at 2,5 years old when he's never had problems before, it doesn't take much for a bunny to develop dental issues, sadly, especially when they're a breed that is prone to them. Just a short time of eating less hay, or the position of one tooth shifting slightly because of aging or a small injury you might not even have noticed, or eating differently because of pain or discomfort (with tooth root problems, for example), it can all cause the molars to start growing differently and develop spurs.

I'm not sure the dandelion and burdock roots will be very helpful for his teeth. If I look at the way my bunnies eat dandelion roots, it doesn't really require a lot of grinding of their molars, which is what keeps their teeth in shape. Grass and hay is really best, while pellets won't do anything for their teeth at all, so depending on how many pellets you give him, you could see if you can decrease the pellets so he'll eat even more hay, since you say he's already eating plenty.

And as IM said, skull x-rays are very important, if they haven't been done yet, as you'll need to know the state of his tooth roots. Sending lots of vibes for your boy. I hope the vet visit will go well tomorrow.

 

[joey&boo]

Its nice to hear of a vet that rasps rather than burrs teeth. Like Reader I've had dental buns & they have been hugely variable in the time needed between dentals. I remember writing a similar thread on Boo (I think she was 5). She is 9+ now & not needed a dental (touch wood) for over 2.5 years. Boo had xrays under a fairly savvy vet but ended up needing specialist interpretation as her dental issues were a bit weird . I can understand your anxieties - I couldn't find £220+ every month either - but I do think & hope it could get better. You need more info really in order to make an informed decision.

Lots of well wishes

 

[bunny momma]

Others gave you good advice, so allow me to add positive vibes.

 

[Shula]

Thank you all for your kind thoughts, and for taking the time to write such detailed replies to a stranger over the internet - I'm so grateful.

It's really helpful to know that just because it's 3 weeks this time doesn't necessarily mean it will have to be every 3 weeks forever. I feel a tiny bit more hopeful for my little buddy (and my little bank balance...)

I shall ask the vet about x-rays when I see them first thing tomorrow.

 

[a reader of books]

I'm glad you're feeling a little bit more hopeful for your bunny (and your bank balance ). I hope it went well at the vets and that they've been able to help him with his teeth. Sending your bunny lots of vibes.