Overgrown Incisor Teeth

                    -----------------------



Malocclusion (improperly aligned teeth resulting in abnormal

tooth growth and wear) in rabbits usually results in overgrown

incisor (front) teeth.  Occasionally, misdirected premolar and

molar teeth are noted.  Many rabbits with a malocclusion probably

have a genetic deficiency that causes an abnormally short upper

jaw.  This structural defect prevents the continuously growing

upper and lower incisors from meeting each other as the rabbit

chews.  Consequently, the overgrown incisors cause considerable

trauma to the tongue and lining of the mouth.  A rabbit's bite

must be absolutely perfect so that its continuously growing teeth

wear down properly.



Infections of the jawbone in the area of the incisors can also

result in misalignment of these teeth.  Many cases of overgrown

incisors result from previous injury to the area of the jaw

responsible for growth of the incisors, with subsequent uneven

tooth growth.



Initial signs of this disorder include failure to properly chew

and swallow food, salivation and a wet dewlap.  Inappetence and

weight loss soon become noticeable.  Death from starvation can

occur if the problem goes untreated.



Treatment involves periodic clipping of the incisors and

attention to any wounds within the mouth caused by the overgrown

teeth.  The clipping procedure should be carried out by an

experienced veterinarian or veterinary technician and must be

done periodically for the remainder of the rabbit's life.

Rabbits with this condition should never, under any

circumstances, be bred.