Dental malocclusion and associated factors in pet rabbits: a cross-sectional study in Peru (2021–2022)

Aims: To identify some of the risk factors for dental malocclusion and examine associations between diet, age and sex and the frequency of dental malocclusion in a convenience sample of pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Lima, Peru, during the period 2021–2022. Methods: A cross-sectional study of clinical records of 308 rabbits at a private veterinary clinic in Lima, Peru from May 2021 to May 2022 was undertaken. The χ² test was used to determine the unadjusted associations between variables and the diagnosis of dental malocclusion. Crude prevalence ratios (cPR) and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) were calculated using a generalised linear model with a Poisson distribution. Results: The frequency of dental malocclusion in the sample was 75/308 (24.4%). The aPR for dental malocclusion for males was 1.80 (95% CI = 1.10–2.95) times higher compared to females, 1.94 (95% CI = 1.13–3.34) times higher for rabbits > 5 years old (seniors) compared to rabbits < 1 year old (juveniles) and 0.37 (95% CI = 0.25–0.54) times lower for a diet with hay compared to a diet without hay. Conclusions: Our data and model suggest that senior, male rabbits on a diet without hay would have a higher frequency of malocclusion than female, juvenile rabbits on a diet including hay. After adjusting for age and sex, hay in the diet decreased the occurrence of dental malocclusion. Clinical relevance: Our results contribute to the limited studies about the dental health of pet rabbits and may be a source of information for veterinarians and pet owners who seek optimal pet health and welfare.