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Scott from Bellevue, WA asks:My three-year-old bunny seems to be drooling a lot when he eats. Is this normal?

No. There is a possibility that he may have developed some severe dental issues so please take him to a veterinarian who is experienced with rabbits. Let me explain a little regarding bunny teeth. Rabbits are hypsodonts, which means their teeth continually grow. In the wild this would not be a problem, as they would trim their teeth on wood, bark, hard vegetation, etc. You can help captive bunnies by purchasing specially manufactured wood blocks that are not treated with any poisonous pesticides or preservatives. Feeding a diet high in timothy hay also helps encouraging chewing.

In addition, the rabbit's teeth should be perfectly aligned. In several more modern breeds malocclusion can occur. This is where the teeth do not align correctly and therefore do not wear down naturally as the pet eats. Sometimes they will impact and cause severe dental abscesses. They can even form complete bridges across the roof of the mouth. Very painful.

If there are any lumps or bumps under the jaw, there may already be an abscess. Dental x-rays can determine to what extent the infection has invaded the bone, but will need to be done under anesthesia. If no surgery is needed it may be that the teeth can be trimmed by the veterinarian and future preventative measures taken.  Other signs of dental problems can be lack of appetite, weight loss and eagerness when food is placed in cage but no ability to chew.

If every thing goes well and your bunny's teeth are fixed, it should be no time until he is eating normally again. Remember, rabbits need check-ups too!

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