molar teeth

Question
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Followup To
Question -
my 2 yrs old male rabbit has molar problems, his 2 molars are growing into the side of his mouth and tongue. He has needed them ground down on 3 occasions. Im just back from the vets after his post op check, and the vet says his teeth are in a really bad state, 2 back teeth have fell out after becoming slack, because of the direction they are growing and he may need them ground down every month!! which means an anaesthetic each time!! i was worried about the amount of anaesthetic, and asked about the possibilty of them getting removed.I was told to consider having him put to sleep, if he is going to need them done that much!! and that the removal is not possible. I feel he deserves a chance and think this is drastic!!, but want what is best for the rabbit.He has to go back in 2-3 weeks,to get them checked, she says she will treat him just now but i should be aware that it is not a possibility for this to happen every month! please give your opinion on this.
Answer -
Dear Joyce,

My opinion is that you *definitely* need to find another vet!  Molar extractions are not at all uncommon when the teeth are in very bad shape, and are recommended if the bunny is having more trouble with his teeth than will allow a good quality of life.  

You'll need to give him soft food and grind up his fresh greens and hay to a manageable size for him if he has no molars at all, but if he has some, then he should do just fine.

I worry about the loose molars, though.  Please find a vet who can determine whether there are abscesses causing this problem:

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

You can find a good rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Hope this helps.

Dana          I live in scotland in the edinburgh area so is it possible for you to recomend a vet in this area or in fife scotland please many many thanks

Answer
Dear Joyce,

The Rabbit Welfare Association of the U.K. should be able to help you with a referral.  Their web site is here:

http://www.houserabbit.co.uk/

and you can write directly to them to ask about a vet who is good with rabbit dentistry.  The very best in the UK (probably in the world, actually!) is Dr. Frances Harcourt-Brown:

http://www.any-uk-vet.co.uk/harcourt-brown/index.htm

though she's in Yorkshire.  It depends on how far you're willing to drive for your bunny.  But if you can't make it to Yorkshire, Dr. Harcourt-Brown's office might well be able to recommend someone closer to you.

Good luck!

Dana