Changes

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

Elodont teeth grow continually - rabbit incisors are reported to grow 12.5 cm per year so you can be prepared to saw off one centimetre a month!

Incisor overgrowth is common in rabbits. It is either primary or secondary depending on the cause.<br>

Genetic predisposition can occur, including anaesognathism (excessive narrowing of the already narrow mandible) and brachygnathism in rabbits. Dental disorders arise as a result of accentuation of the normal configuration  -  if the mandible is too narrow, molar malocclusion results; if too short, incisor malocclusion results;  if both, all teeth are affected.                                 

Primary overgrowth occurs early in life as a consequence of inherited skeletal malocclusion (maxillary brachygnathism resulting in a relative mandibular prognathism). <br>

 

Secondary overgrowth usually occurs in rabbits 1 year or older as a result of [[Cheek Teeth Malocclusion – Rabbit|cheek tooth overgrowth]]. This is the most common cause of incisor malocclusion in the rabbit.<br>

Brown (1992) states that there are five causes of incisor malocclusion in rabbits :

Trauma to the teeth or head can also result in incisor pathology.<br>

Incisors have been shown to grown up to 5mm/week if not in contact, and disease progression can be rapid if no action is taken.

*infection of the roots of the incisor teeth,

   

*trauma to the teeth (caused by the use of nail clippers to trim the teeth, or by the rabbit pulling on the wire of the hutch),

*trauma to the head, and  

*primary malocclusion of the molars.  

 

==Clinical Signs==

==Clinical Signs==

Signs are similar to those seen with [[Cheek Teeth Malocclusion – Rabbit#Clinical Signs|cheek teeth malocclusion]], including:

Signs are similar to those seen with [[Cheek Teeth Malocclusion – Rabbit#Clinical Signs|cheek teeth malocclusion]], including:

==Prevention==

==Prevention==

Provision of grass or hay (Timothy) and edible branches (apple and pear twigs) will provide adequate abrasion for the normal wear of incisors and cheek teeth. Supplemental foods should not be necessary and muesli rabbit foods should be avoided. <br>

Provision of grass or hay (Timothy) and edible branches (apple and pear twigs) will provide adequate abrasion for the normal wear of incisors and cheek teeth. Supplemental foods such as concentrates or muesli-type food should not be necessary. <br>

(Note: Trees that bear single-stoned fruits may have unacceptable amounts of cyanide in the bark so don’t offer peach, plum or cherry, for example)

(Note: Trees that bear single-stoned fruits may have unacceptable amounts of cyanide in the bark so don’t offer peach, plum or cherry, for example)

[[Category:Rabbit Dentition]]

[[Category:Rabbit Dentition]]

[[Category:To Do - Helen]]

[[Category:To Do - Review]]