bunny temper / weird lower teeth??

Question
Hi Dr. Krempels,

I've had a Male Neth. Dwarf since weening from Oct of last year. He has always been more skiddish from the beginning and his temper seemed to be random. Recently, however, he has been very tempermental, doesn't want to be touched, attacks random objects through the house and is very very scared when being handled. Often, in the past week alone, he'll freak out and sratch and kick when held or petted. We also just noticed that his lower teeth have become larger than his upper incisors. I've read some things about this and it has only been now that we've seen this teeth formation -- there is no underbite however. He seems to be eating and drinking just fine. he prefers hay to pellets and his stool and urine seem to be normal. Is either or to be of concern?

thanks in advanced!

ben

Answer
Dear Ben,

Although he appears to be eating and drinking normally, overgrown teeth can be not only painful, but dangerous.  He also may have painful molar spurs that need to be filed down.  Please read:

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

and find an experienced rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

who can help you get this poor bunny's teeth back in good shape.  If the malocclusion is severe, it may be best to have the teeth permanently removed at some point, rather than subject him to constant tooth grindings.  

The reason for his personality change could well be that he's in pain and doesn't want to be touched because of that.  I've seen this happen before: a sick bunny becomes shy because he feels vulnerable.  Get his teeth fixed, and I'll bet his personality changes back to more normal again.

But it also could be that he's reaching sexual maturity, and needs to be neutered for his health and psychological wellbeing.  Please see:

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

I hope this helps.

Dana