Diagnosis of Rabbit Dental Disease via Radiographic Assessment

Diagnosis of Rabbit Dental Disease via Radiographic Assessment
Author: Dr. Bunnada Siriporn (Dr. Khae)

Overview: The article discusses the importance of using X-rays (radiographs) to diagnose dental problems in rabbits, as their teeth grow continuously throughout their lives. Misalignment or overgrowth often occurs not just in the visible parts of the teeth but also at the roots, which cannot be seen with a physical exam alone.

Key Content Points (Translated from the Info-graphics):

Anatomy of Rabbit Teeth:

Rabbits have "Aradicular Hypsodont" teeth, meaning they have no true anatomical root and grow continuously.
Diagnosis requires looking at both the Clinical Crown (the part above the gumline) and the Reserve Crown (the part below the gumline).
Radiographic Evaluation (The 5 Standard Views): To accurately diagnose dental disease, veterinarians typically take X-rays from multiple angles:

Lateral View: To see the overall alignment of upper and lower teeth.
Dorsoventral (DV) or Ventrodorsal (VD) View: To check for lateral deviation or swelling of the jawbones.
Oblique Views (Left and Right): To isolate the cheek teeth on each side and avoid overlap.
Rostrocaudal View: To evaluate the zygomatic arches and nasal cavity.
Reference Lines for Diagnosis: Veterinarians use specific anatomical reference lines on the X-ray to detect abnormalities:

Line 1 (Palatal Line): Checking the occlusal plane (chewing surface).
Line 2: Checking the apical growth (root end) of the upper cheek teeth.
Line 3: Checking the apical growth of the lower cheek teeth.
Line 4: Assessing the alignment of the incisors.
Common Findings in Dental Disease:

Step Formations: Uneven wear of the chewing surfaces.
Spicules/Spurs: Sharp points on the teeth that can cut the cheek or tongue.
Apical Overgrowth: The "roots" growing into the jawbone or toward the eye socket/nasal cavity.
Periapical Abscesses: Infections at the base of the tooth, often appearing as bone lysis (loss of bone density) on the X-ray.
Conclusion: Radiography is an essential tool for "staging" dental disease in rabbits, helping the vet plan the correct treatment, such as teeth trimming, filing, or extraction.

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