Dental Disease
What is it?
A rabbit's teeth grow throughout life and are normally worn down by hours of chewing hay. Too little hay, genetics (especially in flat-faced breeds), or injury can cause the teeth to overgrow, develop sharp spurs that cut the cheeks and tongue, or grow roots into the jaw and eye socket.
What signs should I watch for?
Signs to watch for include drooling or a wet chin, dropping food or eating only soft foods, weight loss and fewer droppings, watery or goopy eye, and swelling on the jaw or face (possible abscess).
How is it diagnosed and treated?
A complete look at the back teeth usually needs sedation, plus skull X-rays or CT to evaluate roots. Treatment involves burring overgrown teeth, removing diseased teeth, and treating any abscesses.
Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook?
- Many rabbits need lifelong, regular dental care.
- A hay-based diet (about 80% of intake) is the most important prevention.
Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026.
Rabbits on low-hay diets; flat-faced breeds
Who's at risk:
Drooling, dropping food, fewer droppings, face swelling
Main signs:
Ongoing management with your vet
Urgency:
When to call a vet right away
- Eating less, or eating only soft foods
- Fewer droppings, or none
- Drooling or a wet chin
- Swelling on the jaw or face (possible abscess)
- A watery or goopy eye
Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide.
Source:
Related conditions
Ear Mites
GI Stasis
Snuffles