Tooth roots and abscesses

Question
Hi Dana. Sorry to contact you so soon again but I really need some expert advice on the results of my bun's vet appointment yesterday. The doctor took skull x-rays and it doesn't look good at all. :( He has a more serious dental disorder than I thought. The vet pointed out to me that his roots were actually digging through the bone on both the top and bottom of his jaw on the left side. She said the reason for this is because there's a space between his jaw bone on the left which causes an abnormal chewing motion and the right side can wear down better, but the left side can't which causes these overgrown tooth roots that push into the bones. She burred the teeth on the left side down and said I would have to get them burred every 4 to 8 weeks from now on. I'm extremely concerned about these tooth roots as they are dangerously close to his eye. His eye hasn't been affected, but I'm so scared the roots might get into his eye socket. Is there anything that can be done to stop those roots from growing any further and pushing down into the bones in his jaw?

I also have a question about dental abscesses. I was wondering how long do they take to develop? The doctor pulled out a fractured tooth yesterday when she had him under. She said it came out very easily because it had been loose for a while. There were no visible abscesses, but she said she saw some puss which may turn into an abscess. I'm extremely worried about this since I know abscesses are very hard to treat and almost impossible to get rid of completely. The doctor told me that a bunny would just have to be very lucky for the abscess not to reoccur after it's been surgically removed. She gave me an antibiotic called Metronidazole she hoped would prevent the abscess from developing. He will need this drug and Baytril for another 2 weeks. She wants me to take him off of Metacam on Tuesday to see if the pain has gone away. She wants to see him again in 2 weeks, and she took a culture of both the puss and his nose discharge. I will feel his jawline everyday for any lumps. I just hope the infection heals without becoming an abscess. I'm so worried now. Any advice you can give me would be really appreciated.
Thanks.

Answer
Dear Michelle,

"Is there anything that can be done to stop those roots from growing any further and pushing down into the bones in his jaw?"

Unfortunately, no.  He has metabolic bone disease and osteoporosis.  I think I mentioned before that sunlight and fresh grass could help.  But it might not.

"I also have a question about dental abscesses. I was wondering how long do they take to develop?"

It varies tremendously with individuals, depending on many factors such as genetics (bone density, immunity, etc.), environmental conditions and other factors.  Prophylactic antibiotics are not a bad idea, and metronidazole should help against anaerobes.  You just have to wait and see.

And seriously:  JOIN ETHERBUN.  You will get a lot more information and help than I can offer you here.  More experience from more people will help you feel more confident about this, but remember there is only so much you can do to control this situation.  It's your bunny's journey, and you are there to make it as happy and comfortable for as long as possible.  You need to accept this and try to be at peace with the fact that you and your vet are doing all you can.  It's all you can do, though eventually it might not be enough.  It's hard, but sometimes it's true.

Here's the EB link again:

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

Good luck,

Dana

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Followup after the above elicited rude response:

Michelle--

Do you really believe it's kind and fair to give such low ratings to someone who has tried to help you for *three weeks*, even though you have been asking the same questions over and over, and apparently not listening to my advice?

I take it back.  Please DON'T join EtherBun.  Our list doesn't need people who are ungrateful for professional, kindly offered advice (offered for free by an expert who not only holds a full time university faculty job but also runs a rabbit rescue).  I'm guessing that the advice EtherBun subscribers would offer you would fall on ears as deaf/eyes as blind as the ones I've been trying to help to no avail. You have written no fewer than fifteen questions--each one loaded with followups that tapped out the resource five different times.  It would be fine if I felt as if you were paying attention.  But you don't appear to even listen to the advice I'm giving you.

I know you are worried about your rabbit.  But I'm here to answer questions about his health, not to be your counseling service.  I offered EtherBun as a resource because you appear to need support that I cannot give you.  I can only imagine how much fun your vet is having dealing with you, if this is how well you accept advice and help.

Good luck.
DMK