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Difference between teeth grinding and teeth purring?

bizziel

Alpha Buck
Is Harvey ill?? Over the past couple of days Harvey seems to be grinding his teeth more. I've heard this can be a sign of pain? He often tooth purs when I stroke him but how do I know if it's purring or grinding?

My OH said last night he went into his cage and stomped his back foot several times for no apparent reason. He did the same just now and when I went over he was grinding his teeth. Do you think I should take him to the vets?

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Is he eating, pooing, drinking and weeing ?

Is he bright and active ?

Tooth grinding is usually much louder than tooth purring and has a slower rhythm. Also with tooth grinding the Rabbit often has squinted eyes and is unlikely to be eating. He/she may also feel very cold to the touch.
 
He had been running about as usual this morning and I think he is eating and drinking as usual. Poo is more difficult to tell as I have two buns together. They are usually a bit quieter and sleepy at this time of day, he is currently hiding behind the fish tank whereas he usually sleeps in the middle of the carpet. He has free access to Hay and is normally a good Hay eater though I didn't notice this morning if he was eating less than usual but he was just as excited about his breakfast pellets.

Thanks for the grinding description Jane, I think what I am hearing is purring but it seems strange he would do that for no reason other than me coming over. He doesn't seem cold to the touch.

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I notice that buns tend to grind their teeth in a "contented" way when they settle down in the meatloaf position.

I notice Fiver grinds his teeth when his arthritis is hurting him, but he seems perfectly fine in himself apart from this. He will run about, eat, jump, and seems completely normal until it comes to him just sitting. Then he will grind his teeth and look uncomfortable, so maybe just keep an eye on him. Generally you can tell when a bun is in pain or when they are just doing what bunnies do. :thumb:
 
Thanks vegan bunny. He was in the loaf position. I'm guess I'm worried he needs a dental or something but he is eating ok so I will just keep an eye on him. I have noticed a few smallish poos in their tray today (they usually do quite big ones). I will keep an eye on him and take him to the vet if I get more worried. He is only a year old and my first bun so I am still getting used to his and general bunny peculiarities. they are worrisome little beasties :)

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Yip, exactly as VB described. My two get themselves comfy into the loaf position and kinda chatter their teeth and move their wee mouths about.
 
Yip, exactly as VB described. My two get themselves comfy into the loaf position and kinda chatter their teeth and move their wee mouths about.

Yes, all five of mine do this. They also grind their teeth in their sleep. Pain grinding like Jane said tends to be slower and when bunny is hunched up.
 
I notice that buns tend to grind their teeth in a "contented" way when they settle down in the meatloaf position.

I notice Fiver grinds his teeth when his arthritis is hurting him, but he seems perfectly fine in himself apart from this. He will run about, eat, jump, and seems completely normal until it comes to him just sitting. Then he will grind his teeth and look uncomfortable, so maybe just keep an eye on him. Generally you can tell when a bun is in pain or when they are just doing what bunnies do. :thumb:

Haha I've never heard that description before meatloaf! I always say Doughnut is in her baby buddha position as she looks fat, I'm guessing it's the same position, is this it but sometimes with her front a bit more down?

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She sometimes chomps her teeth when going off to sleep and purrs when I kiss her nose, it's a soft noise though. I think you would know the teeth grinding as she did that when she was hunched in a corner and not moving so other things are normally present too.
 
Thanks everyone, that's really reassuring I think he was just in a funny mood as he seems fine now :)

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Haha I've never heard that description before meatloaf! I always say Doughnut is in her baby buddha position as she looks fat, I'm guessing it's the same position, is this it but sometimes with her front a bit more down?

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She sometimes chomps her teeth when going off to sleep and purrs when I kiss her nose, it's a soft noise though. I think you would know the teeth grinding as she did that when she was hunched in a corner and not moving so other things are normally present too.

Yes, it's when they look like they have no legs. :lol: Although, Xena often sits with one forepaw stuck out. :lol:

Seems like Harvey was just being content. :thumb: Dental issues are generally quite obvious, so I wouldn't worry if he is eating normally, pooing normally, maintaining weight and not drooling.

Regarding the smaller poos, I have actually noticed this with my three recently. :? I am thinking it is maybe because they are moulting, or maybe something to do with the weather? I have no idea, but all three of mine seem to be perfectly healthy.
 
Barney's tooth grinding sounds slightly 'sharper' than the tooth purring.

Basically, if Barney is making the noise and is not being stroked and is not just settling down to sleep, I know it is grinding and he is in pain. Sometimes he tummy presses or doesn't eat enough hay, but normally he is acting completely normally.
 
Ah maybe is the moulting that had caused the small poos then. They are both looking a bit scruffy at the moment :D

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Ah maybe is the moulting that had caused the small poos then. They are both looking a bit scruffy at the moment :D

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Keep an eye on the tooth grinding if he is showing signs of a slow gut - a slow gut can be very painful. The normal ways of speeding the gut up would help if this is the case.
 
Keep an eye on the tooth grinding if he is showing signs of a slow gut - a slow gut can be very painful. The normal ways of speeding the gut up would help if this is the case.

Thanks nessar. When you say the normal ways, is there something I can do without gut stimulant?

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Thanks nessar. When you say the normal ways, is there something I can do without gut stimulant?

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Increasing fibre (hay and very fibrous forage) and water intake, restricting anything that isn't great for the gut (gassy veg, lettuce, sugary veg, fruit) and increasing exercise can help. Fibreplex can also help. I personally find probiotics can help e.g. Protexin products, but opinion is divided on that one.
 
I agree with Nessar. Doughnut is full of gas at the moment so with all her medicine the specialist said to sprinkle her food with probiotic. They get more by sprinkling rather than in their water and the good bacteria will fight the bad bacteria which produces gas.

I always brush Doughnut a lot as well to help as much as possible.
 
Thanks, I'll look into getting some probiotics if things don't improve. He does East plenty of hay and had recently been gnawing his willow ball a lot too. Are spring greens and green beans ok for the veg?

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