Teeth Filing?

[Brittanybunny19]

Out of my three buns, two of them need their back molars filed down. The vet said it is nothing MAJOR but filing would help in case it ever got worse. 

I noticed this problem first because my mini Rex, Binx, was grinding his teeth one night and acting extremely lethargic. I decided to take them all to the vet (as they were overdue), and everything checked out fine- besides a sliiiiiiight pointed bottom molars (in both him and another bun of mine). We think this is what was making him act so strange.

ANYWAYS-

I know they need to be put under for this procedure, and that makes me nervous.

Has anyone here had their bunnies go under for this? Any experience? Is this common? Is it dangerous? 

I know hay is supposed to help this problem, so if I give them even more hay than usual, do you think this would combat this issue without any medical attention? Should I cancel their appointment for Wednesday? 

Thanks 

Brittany 

[Wick & Fable]

Wick just had his 9th molar spur filing yesterday actually. http://www.instagram.com/p/Bi7m9JnAFtt/

… Spur filing is quite common. In some circumstances, it’s common because unfortunately the rabbit isn’t eating as much hay as it should, so the teeth grow out more than they should
In other circumstances, it’s the result of genetics, where perhaps the rabbit’s teeth aren’t aligned correctly, so they are unable to evenly wear out all their teeth.

Based on my experience, I think the best way to know if it’s diet versus genetics is to have a teeth filing done, then monitor to see if it comes back. If it does, despite lots of hay consumption and chewing, then it’s more likely to be something that needs to be done routinely.

If your vet is experienced and your rabbit is generally healthy, going under for the filing shouldnt be too dangerous. Some things that may occur can be slight pain or mouth soreness afterwards, in which case giving a shot of pain medication after the operation is common.

“Giving more hay than usual” isn’t a good phrase, because ideally they should have unlimited hay anyways. So unless you aren’t giving them unlimited access to a lot of hay now, which you should be, this most likely will not help at this point. Do they eat a lot of hay? How much do you give them? How’s the rest of their diet?

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.

[LittlePuffyTail]

My recently passed, Bindi had many molar filings over the years. About every 5 months or so. Even as an elderly bunny and he always came through it great. Vet would always give pain meds for afterwards, in case, but he was always willing to eat and never had any issues. If you are concerned, and it’s always a good idea in an older bun or a bun with other health issues or a bunny that just hasn’t been put under in a long time, ask your vet about doing pre-anaesthetic bloodwork which will give your vet a better idea of buns current ability to undergo the procedure.

And Wick is correct. Hay can sometimes help keep teeth wear evenly, some bunnies, especially dwarf or flat faced lops are just genetically pre-disposed to molar spurs.

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