Rabbits 'grind their teeth when in pain'

Friday, 5 November 2010 17:46

Rabbit owners concerned about the pet health care of their bunnies may have been alerted to trouble by the sound of the animals grinding their teeth.

According to a piece published on DNA India, this is an indication of "great physical pain" and should be checked out a veterinarian as soon as possible.

"This should not be confused with the soft purr-like grinding a rabbit does when being gently petted by its owner," the news source continued, pointing out that when it is combined with a decreased appetite and weight loss, it is often a sign of a dental issue.

These may include malocclusion - when a rabbit's teeth have become deformed and fallen out of alignment, making their jaws ache and making eating difficult.

In addition, abscesses can be causing the pain, which will also be signified by drooling.

It is important to get rabbits' teeth checked out regularly, as the features can cause great distress to the creatures if they are not functioning properly.

Animal Friends are a specialist pet insurance company providing dog insurance and cat insurance to British pet owners since 1999 and we now offer horse insurance too.

Posted by Chris