Three-Legged Lethargic Lop -- Not A Wheeze, But What?

Question
Hello, Dana -- my girlfriend Katie and I have emailed you on several various
occasions regarding our rabbits Phoebe and Rabbi T. This question regards
the latter, Rabbi, who happens to be a rescued, special-needs bunny with
three legs.

We've had Rabbi for a few years and believe him to be between 4 and 5 years
old. Our veterinarian, a House Rabbit Society recommended rabbit expert (Dr.
Lori Bierbrier) has been amazing and has always been around for our rabbit
diagnostic needs. Recently we took Rabbi in to visit her as he has been
experiencing bouts with flatulence and gastrointestinal stasis. After her
consultation, we've modified his diet to exclude his dry pellets (Oxbow Bunny
Basics-T) and focus more on fiber. We've also been giving him daily stomach
massage, which he enjoys, to help pass the gas and we're happy to say he's
been pooping regularly.

Now, because he's three-legged, he definitely has some troubles getting
around and exercising as much as other rabbits. Lori believed that his
lethargy could have a big part to play in his gas. We've given him simethicone
in 1 cc doses, mostly at the end of a day, and he's been very flatulent of late.
In addition to his farting (to use the vernacular), he's been making an odd
sound with his mouth -- not wheezing, but almost like a squeak or similar to
his farting sounds.

All of this said, we're trying our best to keep him active, massage his belly,
and keep him on a fiber-rich diet. In your opinion, does this mouth sound
concern you? Lori has always indicated he's in great shape -- perfect weight,
great appetite, loves life -- but do you think his age and his lethargy are
catching up with him? Will flatulence potentially follow us from here on out?
We're fully aware that as a special-needs rabbit we need to spend much more
time focused on his idiosyncrasies and ailments than otherwise, but I'm really
curious your feelings on the matter.

Apologies for the long query and thanks so much -- as always! -- for your
time. If you need more information or clarification, I'll be happy to delve
deeper if you'd like!

Cheers,
Joe and Katie (and Phoebe and Rabbi T.)  

Answer
Dear Joe and Katie (and Phoebe and Rabbi),

It's a really common equation:

Lop rabbit + gas/GI slowdown + mouth problems = MOLAR SPURS

Has your vet had a look deep into the mouth to check the state of the molars?  This is such a common problem in lops that it's the first thing our experienced rabbit vets check when one comes in with GI problems.  Even a small spur poking the mouth can do this to a very sensitive rabbit.  And if Rabbi is already "on the edge", stresswise, because of his activity level and the inconvenience of his tripod-ness, it might not take much dental pain to cause this chronic gas and GI slowdown.

Please see:

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

for more information.  But I'm betting the farm that--though his lack of exercise could be contributing--he's got molar matters that need to be addressed.

Hope this helps.

Dana