Vet suggests to take out teeth because of chronic infections

[Rabbit of da Hood]

Hi All,

I would really appreciate some help.

I have 3 little bunnies. One of them, a 3.5 year old female mini lop, is frequently ill. She has been prone to ear infections and some minor tooth issues since she fractured her jaw jumping off somewhere. For the last year she has been suffering from some infection in her mouth, and as the last resort the.vet now suggested that we take out her lower front teeth. I would like to know your opinions please ! I wonder if anyone has experienced anything like this or if anyone has any ideas of what else I could do before such a major surgery.

Brief summary:

Little Pud has been in pain for a year. It comes and goes. Sometimes antibiotics have worked, but the pain has always returned after a week. Sometimes the vet didn’t want to give her any antibiotics anymore (as it is unhealthy for a little rabbit), so he gave her an antiseptic or painkillers. I have also changed her food (from veg, muesli, hay) to alfalfa pellets, dried herb mizes for rabbits, lots of hay, veggies. Sometimes I have put Pud on a veg&hay-only diet (vet’s recommendation). We have also done x-rays which showed nothing. I don’t think it is anything in the living and food conditions as I have 3 rabbits, and apart from this one all are healthy and happy living in my livingroom and being spoiled endlessly. I also went to another vet who just recommended the x-ray. My vet says it must be an infection of the gums near the lower incisor as the tooth doesn’t seem to be sensitive. But he also says that it shouldn’t hurt that much. Her lower incisors rub a little against each other since she fractured her jaw a couple of years ago. I wonder if that is why she keeps getting the infections. So, taking out the lower incisor might be a good idea. But of course I wanted to hear some other opinions before getting ahead with it,

What do you guys think? – I’d really appreciate your opinion !

Sum

[LBJ10]

If the lower incisors are removed, the upper ones may also have to be removed. Without them rubbing against each other, the upper incisors would continue to grow which would mean regular trims.

[Rabbit of da Hood]

Hiya,

Thank you.

I am more worried about what I could do / try out before it comes to a surgery. If it continues like that, it will have to be a surgery. But I was hoping for some tips as to what I could do to avoid it – especially seeing as I don’t know the reason for the continuous infections.

Thank you.

[LBJ10]

What antibiotics has she been on?

[Bam]

It does sound like some chronic bacterial infection lurking somewhere near the lower incisors. It’s very typical of chronic infections to do that – the bacteria form a biofilm that sends out active bacteria from a “reservoir” of inactive bacteria. The antibiotics kill off the active bacteria because active bacteria are what most abx target, but the inert reservoir isn’t affected by the abx. That’s why you see improvement with abx but a return of the symptoms soon after you stop the abx.

Sometimes you can get to the inert bacteria by using another abx or combo of abx. Sadly oftentimes that’s not successful, bacteria can “learn” to counteract the abx. Then you want to surgically open up the cavities/pocket/crevices where the biofilm is lurking, do a thorough clean-up and eradicate the favorable conditions for the formation of biofilms. To me it seems like your vet has thought this through.

As LBJ says, if you remove the lower incisors you might have to remove the upper ones too. Rabbits as a rule do very well without incisors after a period of adjustment.

[Rabbit of da Hood]

Thank you so much for the replies ! This really helps !

I am not sure about the antibiotics. She has been on so so many different ones by now (a year on and off). Some weaker ones, some stronger ones (for cats, i.e. Metacam), drops, injections, etc.

She has jumped off the couch again, slightly hit her jaw, and back is the stupid infection.

[jerseygirl]

What is the longest she has been on any one antibiotic?

Sometimes the vet didn’t want to give her any antibiotics anymore (as it is unhealthy for a little rabbit), so he gave her an antiseptic or painkillers.

True and giving them is not without risk. However, they can tolerate some for a long time. And getting on top of infection can take a long time. 4-6 weeks on an antibiotic minimum. I’ve just treated my rabbit 6 weeks on injectable penicillin and he’s been off a bit over a week. Already, I can see he is going to have to go back on it.

[jerseygirl]

She has jumped off the couch again, slightly hit her jaw, and back is the stupid infection.

Does she have balance issues because of the ear infections?

[Stayathomemama28]

Poor girl! That must be so hard. Have you tried any natural remedies to help boost her immune system? Maybe add some bunny safe herbs (fresh) known for boosting immunity and fighting infections. You could research raw apple cider vinegar(with mother)…I did some research on it after it was recommended to me from a local breeder. It might be worth looking into while you wait to decide if surgery will be nessecary. Good luck!

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