The RSPCA is highlighting the importance of good rabbit welfare after a neglected pet was rescued by the charity with front teeth that were so overgrown they resembled tusks.
Staff at the RSPCA’s Manchester & Salford Branch were shocked when Bobby, a grey Standard Rex rabbit, arrived in their care last month after being signed over into the charity’s care from the Greater Manchester area.
His front teeth were so long they were beginning to grow into his nose, leaving him unable to eat or groom himself properly.
Manchester and Salford Branch Manager Susie Hughes said: “When we first saw Bobby his front teeth were severely overgrown and starting to curl like tusks. We fearhe was just a few days away from death had he not been rescued by an RSPCA inspector when he was, as he was barely able to eat.
“He arrived here early in the evening on a Friday and we managed to keep him going until Monday when he had emergency surgery to remove his teeth and save his life.
“Thankfully the operation went well and our team of staff and volunteers continue to keep a close eye on him. He must have been in a lot of pain, so it was lovely to see being able to groom himself again and tuck in to lots of regular, long stem hay, chopped up greens and a portion of pellets.
“Bobby is a miracle of a bunny with a wonderful personality who has been through an awful lot. His strength and resilience has astounded everybody at our animal centre. But his case highlights how important it is to check your rabbit’s teeth regularly and to ensure you are feeding a good diet with plenty of hay and/or grass which helps to wear them down.
Despite his sad past, Bobby – who is around two years old – is described as a calm, gentle and sweet rabbit who has quickly conquered everybody’s hearts at the centre. He loves receiving head rubs and spreading the afternoon snoozing away in his cardboard box or in a big pile of hay.
In due course, the centre will be looking to rehome him as a house rabbit with someone who has a neutered female bunny for company, and potential adopters are asked to keep an eye on the centre’s website and social media pages for further details.
Dominika Jagoda from the RSPCA’s Companion Animals Department, said: “Sadly, rabbits are one of the nation’s most misunderstood pets. People all too often take on these complex animals without proper understanding of their needs, and Bobby is a prime example of that.
“It’s crucially important that all owners check their rabbit’s teeth at least weekly to ensure they aren’t overgrown or misaligned. Their teeth grow continuously and eating hay and/or grass helps to wear them down and keep them at the correct length and shape.
“Well-meaning pet owners might think they’re doing the right thing by buying commercial, dry rabbit food such as a muesli-based diet, but what these animals actually need is a daily regime that is made up primarily of hay and/or grass, but also includes a handful of fresh leafy greens such as cabbage, kale, broccoli, parsley and mint as well as a small amount of good quality pellets.
“Feeding muesli-style diets can increase the risk of rabbits suffering from dental disease and other health problems.”
The Manchester & Salford animal centre is always caring for rescue rabbits in need of loving new homes. Current residents include seven-week-old sisters Lionheads Venus and Serena who were born in the branch’s care, two Lops called Big Egg and Mini Egg who were reportedly found straying at Easter when they were just a few weeks old, two-year-old Lionhead Dolly Dimples who was being kept in unacceptable conditions in a dog crate, and Josie, a one-year-old Dutch rabbit who was removed from a property where over 50 rabbits were living in small ages.
