First dental problems at 9yrs old!

[Mrs]

Hello, Haven't posted in a while after losing Brer in February followed by our almost 17yr old dog in May. Sad times!
I still have Bugs, Brer's brother, who's just turned 9. He's due at the vets on Monday for his annual booster but I've asked them to look at his teeth. I've noticed him recently dropping hard food and getting leaves stuck in his teeth. Closer inspection by me revealed his 2 big teeth at the bottom have grown & now overlap his upper teeth. I've been feeding him softer food. My concern is that my vets don't bur, they clip teeth as they don't put rabbits under GA. Should I be worried? An old friend, about 30yrs ago, took their rabbit for the same procedure and the vet squeezed the bun so hard, he broke his back!!

 

[Omi]

Well, I'm not sure what the exact issue is with Bugs, that will need vet advice, but I have a 9 year old who has never had dental treatment and there is no way I would take her to a vet, who I didn't feel was really competent in dentals, both diagnosing issues and treatment. I would do some research and find another vet locally who has good reviews for dental work. And who would be happy to give a GA to a 9 year old.

 

[Shimmer]

I would also be looking for a recommendation for a vet with experience in rabbit dentals.

Clipping the incisors causes quite a jolt that can cause damage to the rest of the tooth, and therefore more problems as the tooth regrows.

I've had a 9yo having regular dentals under GA. I would get a regular blood screen done before a GA, though - to check on organ function, etc. You can also ask for additional fluid to be given during the procedure, which can help with recovery. There's always a risk with a GA in rabbits, but you can help to minimise them.

It's probably not recommended these days, but I had one rabbit that needed regular incisor burring and he was so used to being handled for it that it was done as a conscious procedure while I waited. I would be very wary of a vet offering it for a first dental. Rabbits are stressed so easily and just the stress can kill them.

Meanwhile, I would make sure that he is eating enough to maintain his weight. That may mean changing the format of what he's offered (eg soften hard food, chop up leaves), or top up syringe feeds.

 

[Mrs]

Thank you both.
I've managed to find a vet who along with other pets, deals with exotics, close to me. Bugs is booked in tomorrow for a free dental assessment and we'll see what happens. I've done nothing but research dental in rabbits all afternoon. TBH I'm dreading the whole thing. Such gorgeous little creatures but so complex!! Meanwhile I know he's eating fresh grass and I've also mixed up some selective recovery food for him. I'll let you know how we go.

 

[Mrs]

Hello again,
Vet visit completed. Bugs is booked in for Monday, a short anaesthetic & dental, he has a few spurs at the back & all 4 front teeth need trimming. Estimated cost £313.00. Not sure how this compares as it's his first ever dental. Worried is an understatement, but at 9 he can't go on with his teeth as they are. Wish him luck!!

 

[redmal]

Good luck Bugs!

 

[Shimmer]

Wishing you all the best for Monday. Make sure he is eating well right up to the appointment time. His guts may be a bit sluggish after a GA, so keep an eye on poo output afterwards and supplement feeding if needed. Some rabbits just start eating normally straight after a dental, but you can’t rely on that happening.

 

[bunny momma]

I had an older bunny who needed dentals and vet used minimal GA. Sending lots of positive vibes for Bugs.

 

[Omi]

Sending Bugs loads of vibes for Monday. I hope his dental goes well.

 

[Mrs]

Thanks all, he's not very good today. What concerns me is : have his long teeth reduced his appetite or has his appetite reduced due to something else going on. He feels a bit skinny today. Like I said, he's never been ill in his life, unlike his brother Brer. Hoping to take vet's advice in the morning.

 

[Omi]

I read your update on Betty's thread as well. I would try again to get some syringe-feed into him. If that's not successful, then just syringe some fluids. I hope the vet can confirm what the issue is tomorrow. It certainly sounded as though there were several problems with his teeth from what the vet said. Is he on pain relief?

 

[Shimmer]

He really needs some food before his vet trip tomorrow. It’s a bit catch 22 if he’s not eating because his teeth need doing, but can’t have an anaesthetic to sort his teeth if he’s not eaten.

 

[Mrs]

I read your update on Betty's thread as well. I would try again to get some syringe-feed into him. If that's not successful, then just syringe some fluids. I hope the vet can confirm what the issue is tomorrow. It certainly sounded as though there were several problems with his teeth from what the vet said. Is he on pain relief?

He's not on any medication. He was ok in himself on Fri. Didn't like the otoscope though. The vet said he may have a couple of tiny spurs, but not too bad, no cuts or ulcers, so if he could bur the front ones only he would, to keep things brief. I'm in a catch 22. Got to get his teeth done whatever the outcome.

 

[Mrs]

He really needs some food before his vet trip tomorrow. It’s a bit catch 22 if he’s not eating because his teeth need doing, but can’t have an anaesthetic to sort his teeth if he’s not eaten.

Yes, I agree. A really bad situation. I'm trying whatever I can. He's always been a good eater - he's currently sat in his run outside where there are lots of little wildflowers that he eats- not interested today though! I did see him have a drink though.

 

[Omi]

Hope all goes well today at the vets.

 

[Mrs]

Hope all goes well today at the vets.

Thank you! He's there now. He's lost 3grams in weight since Friday. I saw him eating a few wildflowers this morning and I've been syringing water. I warned them of his reduced appetite. I felt reassured as the vet nurse said she has a 12yr old rabbit herself, so obvs knows them and has never lost a bunny under anaesthetic in her whole career. You have to tick a box opting in or out of CPR in the event it's needed. I ticked "no" as he would already be at peace. I then read at the bottom that if you do want CPR, it's an extra £400! Can't relax 'til I get that call!!

 

[Mrs]

I'm heartbroken to say that little Bugs has been put to sleep. The dental wasn't started as they found 2 tumours in his shoulder area. With hindsight, he'd had reduced movements over the last week, which I thought were dental pain related maybe. I think now that the reason his teeth didn't grind down was his lack of appetite. I'm so sad for him. I'm going to collect him shortly and he'll be buried amongst the wildflowers next to his brother, Brer. He was the most gorgeous little bunny.

 

[Omi]

I'm really so very sorry Bugs had a beautiful face. Sleep tight lovely little boykin.

 

[redmal]

So sad to hear this, but you did all you could for him. Lovely little boy.

 

[Mrs]

We've just buried him. The vet said after he'd passed away, they had a good feel around & there were lots of lumps throughout his body. He'd gone very bony & thin in the space of about 8 days