Dental and skeletal findings of 140 wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Finland 2010–2015

TL;DR

A study found early signs of dental disease in wild rabbits in Finland, but at lower rates than in pet rabbits.

Contribution

The study reports dental and skeletal findings in a wild rabbit population, comparing them to domestic rabbits.

Findings

Mild dental disease was observed in 12.6% of wild rabbits.

Vertebral column deformities were present in 13.9% of rabbits.

Ankylosing malformations and advanced dental disease were not found.

Abstract

Dental disease is the most common non-infectious disease of domestic rabbits, with a prevalence reaching up to 40% in studied populations. Diet has been shown to be the main cause. Skeletal disorders, such as vertebral column malformations, are also common, affecting 40% of some pet rabbit breeds. Both can lead to severe health issues and decrease the quality of life. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of dental and skeletal disorders in a Finnish wild rabbit population originating from released domestic rabbits at least four decades ago. As these diseases are related to genetics, diet, and housing in pet rabbits, we hypothesized that prevalence of these diseases is low in wild rabbits.

Physical examination and radiographs (laterolateral n = 140, ventrodorsal n = 47) were used to study 140 wild rabbits hunted from the Helsinki City area. Mild signs of dental disease (elongation of premolar tooth root) were observed in radiographs of 12.6% of the rabbits. The vertebral formula was C7/Th12/L7/S4 in 89.1% of the rabbits, although five other formulae were also identified. Prevalence of transitional vertebrae was 13.9%. Ankylosing malformations were not identified. Traumatic lesions were found in 15% of the rabbits.

Initial signs of dental disease were identified in a Finnish wild rabbit population, although the prevalence was lower than in previously investigated pet rabbits. More advanced stages of dental disease or vertebral column ankylosing malformations were not identified. Prevalence of vertebral column deformities was low.

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