Tooth health

Question
I have asked 2 questions of you before.  Found out my bunny was mis-behaving due to overgrown molars.  He has had surgery this week, but they say he was probably born this way & it will be a chronic condition.  Is it vital that he eats hay, as I have tried several kinds, & he doesn't seem to eat it.  Also, if this is chronic, will he always need surgery to correct this?

Answer
Dear April,

A very bad congenital (i.e. he was born with it) malocclusion (misalignment) of the teeth may mean that he will periodically have to be put under anesthesia for molar spur filing.  It's not really surgery; it's just an office procedure.  But anesthesia is never 100% without risk.

Try buying really nice hay after a tooth filing, when his mouth is recovered.  Oxbow Hay Company or American Pet Diner (www.americanpetiner.com) "Timmy Gold" second cut hay are very good for tempting him.  Failing that, fresh grass (no fertilizer or pesticides or wild animal leavings!) is even better than hay.  So if you can get him outside for grass nibbling an hour or so every day, that will help tremendously.  

Please read:

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

I hope this helps.

Dana