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Rabbit teeth (incisors)

22 11:15:20

Question
My girlfriend's 6 month old rabbit seems to have broken it's teeth, most likely self-inflicted trauma. I don't think the roots have cracked because there is no inflammation and the gums are a healthy pink color. The base of the broken teeth can be seen. Her left incisor is completely gone, either swallowed or some where around the house, and her right incisor (my right, looking at her face on) is still in the mouth barely hanging onto the gums.  I can also see her secondary incisors in the back. She shows no pain, and has minimal trouble with her teeth in that she no longer chews hard things, but will eat all her regular foods and treats.  However she does drool and licks at her teeth quite often. I am wondering if her teeth will grow back correctly and because I don't think I can safely remove the tooth that is hanging on, how safe is it for her to swallow it (it is about 3 to 4 mm long)?  At first we had considered a vet, but because we low on funds and the bunny seems fine, we decided to wait.  She acts no differently at all except for the drooling/licking.  Also, I think she needs more calcium... any suggestions? We have a mineral lick, but she neglects it.

Answer
Dear Victor,

No, she doesn't need more calcium, but she *does* need to have that hanging tooth taken off!  It could harm her if it's swallowed.  I would not leave it there.  

Please make sure the bunny cannot get to high places where a jump could cause an injury like this.  If the bones of her muzzle are not broken, then the teeth will likely grow back normally in a week or so.  But if the bones are broken, all bets are off.  I would recommend an exam by a good rabbit vet:

www.rabbit.org/vets

You owe it to your bunny to get her proper medical attention when she needs it, and it sounds to me as if now is the time.

I hope this helps.

Dana