Hi there,
I'm pretty sure that Humphrey has got spurs on his molars. I have just got back from holiday (my brother was looking after him for me) and he does not seem to be able to eat straw or hay or anything that needs alot of chewing. He goes to the hay and he works on one piece for about 20 minutes without getting anywhere. He really wants to eat it but he just can't. He is managing with small and softish stuff that needs the minimal of chewing. I have taken to giving him a little bit of grass - I know you are not really supposed to give them cut grass but it is the only thing that is closest to hay that he can eat, am I going to harm him doing this? I am concerned that he is getting fibre. He also has a bit of a wet and matted area under his chin which I know is a sign, he has had it for months though without these other symptoms.
I took him to the local vet near my brother who checked his front teeth and the front of his back teeth as he also had a bit of an accident at my brothers (a door fell on him - awful) who said they were fine but he couldn't see the very back of his molars (vet also said no other damage after accident). I am going to take him to his regular vet on monday but I was just after a bit of advice about what would be OK to feed him (including grass?) and also does anyone had a good pet insurance as I understand that he will need operations for the rest of his life if it is the problem. Has anyone else got this prob with their buns?
Thank you so much for any advice, I am worried sick.
Helen
I'm pretty sure that Humphrey has got spurs on his molars. I have just got back from holiday (my brother was looking after him for me) and he does not seem to be able to eat straw or hay or anything that needs alot of chewing. He goes to the hay and he works on one piece for about 20 minutes without getting anywhere. He really wants to eat it but he just can't. He is managing with small and softish stuff that needs the minimal of chewing. I have taken to giving him a little bit of grass - I know you are not really supposed to give them cut grass but it is the only thing that is closest to hay that he can eat, am I going to harm him doing this? I am concerned that he is getting fibre. He also has a bit of a wet and matted area under his chin which I know is a sign, he has had it for months though without these other symptoms.
I took him to the local vet near my brother who checked his front teeth and the front of his back teeth as he also had a bit of an accident at my brothers (a door fell on him - awful) who said they were fine but he couldn't see the very back of his molars (vet also said no other damage after accident). I am going to take him to his regular vet on monday but I was just after a bit of advice about what would be OK to feed him (including grass?) and also does anyone had a good pet insurance as I understand that he will need operations for the rest of his life if it is the problem. Has anyone else got this prob with their buns?
Thank you so much for any advice, I am worried sick.
Helen