Cheek tooth abscesses are much more difficult to treat and, in the past, have required a lifetime of antibiotics to prevent their return. Recent research, published in March 1995, may offer new hope to rabbits with this condition. To better understand the diseases of the rabbit's cheek teeth we need to discuss the workings of their teeth and the nature of the abnormalities that cause problems. Rabbits have open rooted molars that grow throughout life. In the normal rabbit mouth, biting and chewing of food continually grinds down the teeth, keeping this growth in check and the teeth at stable lengths.
Malocclusion leads to difficulty in biting, chewing and swallowing of food.
As the growth of cheek teeth is altered, the lower cheek teeth overgrow toward the tongue, whereas the upper teeth overgrow toward the cheek. Sharp points develop on the longer sides of the teeth causing lacerations of the adjacent cheek and tongue. A common sign of this problem is the rabbit trying to pick up or eat food, only to drop it without chewing. As the condition advances, the rabbit will drool excessively, causing wet, matted fur around the mouth, chin, chest and forelegs. Here, secondary bacterial infections may develop, leading to hair loss in those locations.