rabbit respiratory problem

Question
QUESTION: Hi Dr Krempels,

Similiar to another question you answered back in 12/12/2007 to a gentleman named Steve, I also have the same problem as his rabbit did, but of a much younger age.

My female dwarf flop is approx 14 months old, about 5 months ago she started to sneeze in short bursts serveral times each hour, sometimes followed by gagging sounds - like she trying to clear something. There are no signs of discharge of fluids either from her eyes nor nose.

Once her sneezing fit (usually 3-5 secs) is over, its back to normal. She is an outdoor rabbit that has a moderate yard to run about in. She has access to rabbit pallets and also a seed 'mix' which I purchase from a dedicated rabbit vet/shop. Also I provide carrot and chinese greens as treats.

She also has a younger male friend (though she is fixed). The male has no health problems.

Her weight is 2.65kg and doesn't seem to have any other unusual health problems. I've taken her to a dedicated rabbit vet who after a re-visit of 5 months due to continued problems now says it's her root canals growing into her nasal airways. They advised to have both her top and bottom front two teeth removed (remove one, must remove other - grinding), yet am worried of her health afterwards re eating etc.

The vet did advise this is common problem and removal of front teeth *should* stop the sneezing/gagging, but would it be the front teeth or other teeth further back?

I understand she would never eat solids again, I would have to grate the carrot etc.

Also any other options for rectifying this problem?

Shaun

ANSWER: Dear Shaun,

While it's quite possible that a tooth root has intruded into her nasal passage, the gagging is more consistent with a serious molar spur or other problem far in the back of her mouth or in her throat.  Please read:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/dental.html

Removing the tooth might help, or it might not.  Scarring left behind could still cause irritation, so it's hard to know if this will effect a final solution to her sneezing

I would at least get a second and/or third opinion from other rabbit-savvy vets to be sure they are all seeing/saying the same thing:

www.rabbit.org/vets

before you put your girl through this ordeal.  If the vets all agree, then tooth removal might be something to consider as a solution to her problems.

I hope this helps.

Dana

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------


"Biscuit" X-Ray   QUESTION: Hi Dana,

I've managed to get a copy of the x-ray taken of my rabbit in question.

Can you please review and offer further feedback, as I'm reluctant to remove the front teeth if not the whole problem.

Thanks
Shaun

Answer
Dear Shaun,

Even if there is an intrusion of the dental roots into her sinuses (which I can't see from the radiograph, but I'm not an expert at reading radiographs), removing the teeth might not resolve the problem.  Calcification and scarring around the problem area might still remain.

If this were my rabbit, I would try to find another rabbit-savvy vet for a second opinion.  The gagging is more consistent with molar spurs, and she may need to be gassed down for the vet to have a really good look in the back of her mouth.

I agree that removing her teeth seems a bit drastic if all she's doing is sneezing, unless it's really bad and constant.  But I'd want confirmation of the problem via endoscopy before doing something as final as removing her incisors.

She can live fine without them, of course.  You just need to cut her food into little, bite-sized pieces.  But it's better to have teeth, if they don't really need to come out!

Hope this helps.

Dana