Runny eyes, but not teeth

[MrsDH]

Good morning,

I have just taken (and left) my rabbit with the vet. Over the last 5 or so days I noticed he wasnt eating much of his pellets. This is not unusual for him as he is a big hay eater but then the poos started to get smaller. He usually has lovely big poos. He wouldnt eat any hay, he would only eat soft greens or his pellets when I softened them with water. At which point he wolfed them down like a starving man. He has lost weight and also has runny eyes and made a grinding noise even when eating mushy pellets. He is lethargic, although perked up today a bit but was sitting hunched in his cage to the point where I was regularly offering him the water bottle so he would drink. Originally we assumed he was depressed as he lost his wife a couple of weeks ago and when it dawned on me what he was eating I took him to the vet.

I assumed teeth with the grinding, soft food only and runny eyes but the vet has looked and said his teeth are fine. He is dehydrated (not surprising), a bit cold (by 0.5 degrees) and has lost weight (this is rapid weight loss, you can feel his spine). He was never fat but you couldn't feel that. Anyway, the vet has no idea what is up with him.

There is no respiratory noise, no absesses, clear eyes (apart from the weeping), no impaction........

They are treating him for the dehydration and cold but that's only the symptoms. They thought what I did about the teeth as everything pointed to it, but are just hoping to get him to eat properly.

The only rabbit savvy vet in my area is not taking on new patients so I was wondering if anyone has had similar and knows what it could be?

He has had his jabs.

Sorry for the lengthy post.

 

[Shimmer]

Can your vet do skull x-rays? It will show the true condition of his teeth and their roots. You can't always see what is going on by just a physical examination. You can also ask for a referral to a rabbit specialist. This may initially be a conversation from your vet, and showing them the x-rays.

I would feed him up a bit before he goes for sedation, though, and get his dehydration and temperature sorted out. You can offer Critical Care on a saucer, if he's eating on his own. Pellets are not a complete diet, but anything is better than nothing at the moment. Chopped or grated veg, grass, dandelion leaves, celery leaves and fresh herbs may also tempt him to eat. Also leave water down in a (heavy ceramic) bowl as that is easier to drink from.

 

[MrsDH]

Can your vet do skull x-rays? It will show the true condition of his teeth and their roots. You can't always see what is going on by just a physical examination. You can also ask for a referral to a rabbit specialist. This may initially be a conversation from your vet, and showing them the x-rays.

I would feed him up a bit before he goes for sedation, though, and get his dehydration and temperature sorted out. You can offer Critical Care on a saucer, if he's eating on his own. Pellets are not a complete diet, but anything is better than nothing at the moment. Chopped or grated veg, grass, dandelion leaves, celery leaves and fresh herbs may also tempt him to eat. Also leave water down in a (heavy ceramic) bowl as that is easier to drink from.

They didnt even mention xrays. I'll see what they say when they ring later. He is eating, just soft things like parsley, bit of grass, apple, mint and the mushy pellets. I tried sneaking a bit of hay in with the mint but he was too smart.

So you still think its teeth? It does all point to it, doesnt it?

 

[InspectorMorse]

It sounds like tooth ROOT elongation which can only be diagnosed from skull radiographs.

 

[Shimmer]

Root elongation can be managed by reducing the tooth length, so it's likely that a dental will be required - but I would want it to be done by someone with experience of this in rabbits. And only when his health is stable again. And he still needs x-rays to confirm the condition, and what work needs doing.

 

[MrsDH]

Thanks all, I'll talk with the vet this afternoon. They have a few consultants that come into the practice, they had one for a problem my dog had, so maybe they have a rabbit consultant too.

 

[HouseOfRabbit]

Thanks all, I'll talk with the vet this afternoon. They have a few consultants that come into the practice, they had one for a problem my dog had, so maybe they have a rabbit consultant too.

If they don't then may be the RWAF's vet list could be of use - https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-...abbit-friendly-vets/rabbit-friendly-vet-list/

 

[bunny momma]

Sending you and your bunny positive vibes.