Rabbit teeth growing in the opposite direction

[tanis]

Hello everyone,

a friend of mine has a rabbit who is about 5 years old and in the past year his frontal teeth have not been growing. She took him to the vet back then and nothing was diagnosed. Now, a year later, it turns out that all of the rabbits teeth have been growing in the opposite direction and one of the frontal teeth is pushing an eye. I have seen the radiography and it’s scary, to say the least. It would have gone unnoticed if it wasn’t for the eye that started weeping and looking a bit weird.
Now the vet is saying that there is nothing that can be done and that he can only be put down.Is that really the only choice? Isn’t it possible to remove all the teeth? Would the rabbit still be able to live in that case? Is there anyone who has had a similar experience?
Thanks in advance!

 

[Shimmer]

I would definitely ask for a second opinion from a rabbit savvy vet ASAP. This vet doesn't seem to have much experience with rabbits, but could hopefully recommend someone else and send the records and radiographs over to them.

Both the roots and visible parts of rabbit teeth grow continually, so it may be an ongoing issue - but there are options besides PTS. Incisors an be removed, for instance. There would need to be a small adjustment to the feeding regime to compensate, but that is very manageable.

Molars (back teeth) are usually dealt with by reshaping the crowns, which has a knock on effect with the roots if they are also causing problems.

Elongated tooth roots tend to press on the tear ducts, which is probably what you are seeing here. There may be some permanent damage, or blockage or infection - which may require flushing and / or antibiotic drops.

If you say what area they are in, someone may be able to recommend a suitable vet.

 

[tanis]

Thanks for the quick reply. Yes, i also suggested to try and find a vet that is specialized in rodents and get a second as soon as possible, but it looks like it’s not that easy to find an expert. They live in Italy, in the northern area, near the Garda lake

 

[bunny momma]

The extent of the tooth root elongation and the existence of an infection or abscess will determine if the issue can be addressed by removing the front teeth and the recovery time.
Sending positive vibes for your friend's bunny.

 

[InspectorMorse]

Thanks for the quick reply. Yes, i also suggested to try and find a vet that is specialized in rodents and get a second as soon as possible, but it looks like it’s not that easy to find an expert. They live in Italy, in the northern area, near the Garda lake

Marco Di Giuseppe, DVM, PhD, GPCert (ExAP) - LafeberVet

Marco Di Giuseppe currently works as freelance veterinarian in many clinics in Palermo (Italy) offering referral services in rabbit medicine. In the

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