Abstract

Domestic rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus had their ancestors from western Europe and northeastern Africa Even today more than 50 breeds of rabbits and countless mixtures persist Depending on race size and age the prevalence of some diseases is higher such as dental malocclusion dacryocystitis pododermatitis cardiomyopathy and dermatopathy Their gastrointestinal system is complex and requires adequate environmental and nutritional management Rabbits and rodents have constant tooth growth the adequate fiber content in the diet and the way the food is offered provide healthy tooth wear without causing changes in dental occlusion Cubas et al 2014 The deficiency in the feeding of lagomorphs consists of inadequate nutrition with abrasive sheets lack of long fibers such as hay thus leading to hyper tooth growth and consequently malocclusion Affected rabbits routinely stop feeding and may present various local and systemic clinical signs Feeding management and monitoring with the veterinarian periodically are extremely important to prevent dental and other diseases that may affect this species