Strange uncontrollable chewing episodes

[Isabel]

My bun Ruben is a 4 year old netherland dwarf. About a month ago he had a strange episode one night, it only lasted for a minute or so – I looked over and he was chewing loudly and so much so that it was making him lean back onto his back legs and then so far that he fell over onto his back. This happened a few times, he’d stand back up each time and it kept happening. His eyes were wide but not rolling back into his head and his front legs were pawing at the air. He kept stepping backwards while it was happening and I didn’t know what to do so I put one hand on his back to try and help him and he kept chewing for a few more seconds and then stopped. Afterwards he was sitting up, not lying down, and stayed very still for about 5 minutes. Then he shook himself off and started walking around normally. I was very panicked as nothing like this had ever happened before and he’s my first bunny. I took him to the emergency vet as it was around midnight, they checked him and said they weren’t sure what was the matter, but that he possibly had a stomach ache and so they gave him some painkillers. I took him home, and he went back to normal. It happened again just now, exactly the same behaviour, the chewing and falling over only lasting about 1 minute. When he stopped I stroked him and spoke to him to calm him, he then got the hiccups, then sat still and started snoring loudly (he snores a lot so it’s not necessarily worrying but seems strange for him to fall deeply asleep straight after something like this happening). After a few minutes he got back up and walked around, I held my hand out to him and he gave it a little kiss, then went to pee in his litter box. Now he’s loafing and snoring gently. I will take him to the vet but for some peace of mind I was wondering if anyone knows what this is and if it’s happened to any of your buns. 

[Wick & Fable]

No real guesses, but from my imagination, I’m reminded of two things.

1) Very exaggerated preparatory chewing to eat a cecotrope.
2) A decision to begin grooming shoulder and collar fur, but for some reason, isn’t.

I doubt either of those are the case, so my best idea is teeth. Something is intermittently bothering his teeth, perhaps something at the root, a cracked tooth that has allowed something to grow, or a misalignment of the jaw that knocks out and perhaps needs a recorrection.

Since you’ve had Ruben, have you ever needed for him to get a teeth grinding? In these operations (rabbit is asleep), it’s the only time a vet can actually open a rabbit’s jaw really wide to see what’s going on, much more than an otoscope exam.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Isabel]

Thanks for your reply, that’s really helpful. I never considered it was something to do with his teeth. He’s never had his teeth grinded down but the vet did mention once that it looked like his teeth may not be as nicely filed down as they should be, but it wasn’t anything urgent to worry about at the time, she just told me to feed him more hay etc, so there’s a strong possibility it could be to do with his teeth or his jaw. I’ll ask my vet if they can have a really good look at his teeth. Thank you! 

[Wick & Fable]

If there’s an issue with the teeth, by the time they’re pointed and bothering, hay won’t be able to grind it down really. A procedural grinding needs to be done!

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

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