Sly needs a dentist or alteast someone who knows about teeth

[Kitsa]

If you can't see the last picture just let me know.

When Sly was just 5 weeks old he got into a fight that for some reason messed up his teeth.
His left tooth grows at an angle now so I try and keep it cut down but he has developed a fear of having his teeth messed with.

Anyone have any tips or tricks to helping keep that tooth from growing to much?

 

[smilez_n_hugs]

I would suggest seeing a rat knowledgeable vet. Sometimes malocclusion can be corrected if the tooth is cut at the proper angle. At the very least a vet can show you how to properly hold and cut his tooth if this is going to be a lifelong issue.

And just to be sure...there isn't a funky smell coming from his mouth?

 

[Kitsa]

I would suggest seeing a rat knowledgeable vet. Sometimes malocclusion can be corrected if the tooth is cut at the proper angle. At the very least a vet can show you how to properly hold and cut his tooth if this is going to be a lifelong issue.

And just to be sure...there isn't a funky smell coming from his mouth?

No funky smells at all. I check for that all the time.

I have not yet found a vet comfortable with teeth.

 

[smilez_n_hugs]

Glad to hear there are no smells. I would keep looking for a vet even if you end up having to drive a little more so that at the very least you know you are trimming them properly.

 

[Dazzle87]

Yes it is very easy to mess up their teeth, have them crack and split, etc. I've also found, with a vets skill and confidence they are able to get it done much much quicker than I am able to, so it is less stressful on my girl Tilley who has had malloccluded teeth for about 9 months now I believe. It is a huge PITA with my vet being so far away, but I bring her in ever two weeks to get them trimmed.

I'm surprised that you can't find a vet willing to do it, usually at the very least a vet who sees rabbits should be able to do it.

 

[Kitsa]

I'm actually having trouble finding a vet because of the angle the tooth goes. One vet was worried because the tooth sits a little higher then the other and turns.

 

[jorats]

You could ask the vet to trim the tooth right to the gum line and hope it grows back more normal.

 

[Kitsa]

I've actually been told multiple times that it probably won't grow back normal no matter how much it is trimmed.

The tooth is literally turned, not a straight line. If I can get him to behave I'll post a picture.

 

[lilspaz68]

It's called a maloclusion and he will need trims the rest of his life. How often do you trim it? If you can find a vet who's willing to do it cheaply it might be better to have them do it, as there's less chance at damage with a professional, where at home there's some really awful things that can happen.

How old is he now? He most likely was born with the malocclusion, so you might also want to consider having his teeth removed...a tricky, delicate operation, but then its done and over.

 

[Kitsa]

I'm sorry it took so long to reply I've had a bit of trouble with Sly.

He is about 8 months old now.

I stopped trimming the tooth from fear of hurting him.

Is there anything on the site that has a bit more info on maloclusion? I've been trying to figure out whats wrong with his tooth and never really read about that before.

His tooth has been breaking very easily lately so i'm making an appointment very soon with a vet i'm sure will be fine.
If they think removing the teeth is the best option I will be doing that.

 

[SQ]

Removal of a front tooth is very difficult and most vets can not do it.
If any of the root bud is left, the tooth will regrow
It is something to discuss with you vet to see what your options are.

 

[Dazzle87]

This site has an informative article about malocclusion:

http://ratguide.com/health/digestive/malocclusion.php