Rabbit dental abnormalities: Investigation of conformational risk factors in a pedigree rabbit population

Supporting dataset for 'Rabbit dental abnormalities: Investigation of conformational risk factors in a pedigree rabbit population'.Abstract: Lop-eared and brachycephalic conformations have inconsistently been associated with dental abnormalities in pet and rescue rabbit populations. We investigated conformational risk factors for dental abnormalities in a pedigree population where conformation could be confirmed. Otoscopic oral examination was performed on breeder-volunteered pedigree rabbits at British Rabbit Council shows and studs. Multivariable models were used for risk factor analysis of 14 possible dental disease signs. In 435 rabbits examined, 68.28% showed no incisor abnormalities and 55.40% showed no cheek teeth abnormalities. Lop-eared rabbits had higher odds than erect-eared rabbits for ocular discharge (odds ratio [OR]: 4.034, p=0.007), but not for any dental abnormalities. Erect-eared rabbits showed higher odds of reacting to incisor examination than lop-eared rabbits (OR: 1.666, p=0.003). Brachycephaly showed no associations with dental abnormalities, whilst more dolichocephalic rabbits had increased odds of cheek teeth step or wave mouth (OR: 1.394, p=0.004). Other conformational and signalment-related risk factor results were mixed. Brachycephaly showed no significant predisposition to dental abnormalities, and the clinical relevance of predisposition to ocular discharge in lop-eared rabbits is unclear. Conformation appears less important than husbandry factors for preventing rabbit dental disease. Generalising results to companion rabbits is not advised due to husbandry and population differences.