molar float

[bouncer]

We just got back from the vet and took her for her annual wellness exam.  The doc suggested we get a molar float done to our buns within the next couples of month.  Has anyone had this done on their bunny?  Also, what was the cost?  Our estimate came to be about $300.

[jerseygirl]

The term is a new one to me. I now see it’s used regarding horses alot. Anyway, did your vet say they could see molar points/spurs forming? They should only really require such trims if there are spurs growing from the side of the molar. Otherwise, the rabbit should be able to keep the teeth trimmed with an appropriate diet – mainly hay.

Trims usually require sedation and pain meds for aftercare.  $300 sounds excessive to me.   Some of the forum leaders have alot of experience with molar trims so they should be able to advise you on the frequency and cost of these.   

[Sarita]

Molar float is just a molar trim. My rabbit Pepe gets these done every 5 months. With meds and stuff my bills are typically between $200 to $250 so while that sounds high, it really doesn’t sound excessive. What you should ask is that they break down the costs for you so you can see what you are paying for.

[Sarita]

Also how many rabbits? Is it just one or is it two because I’m wondering if it’s 2 is that the cost for both.

[Karla]

A molar trim here costs $300 as well. It’s not that unusual to have done, unfortunately. Make sure you get some metacam with you home after the trim, as the bunny will be sore a few days afterwards.

Did the vet say anything about why your bunny needs dental trim? Because of lack of correct food or because of something physical?

A diet high in silicate will help trim the teeth better; this means hay, brocolli, bean sprouts, sellery and cabbages.

[Beka27]

We’ve encountered situations in the past where vets were trimming incisors without there really being a need for it to be done, it was just something they routinely did. But incisor trims can typically be done without anesthesia. Molar trims are a more serious thing, spurs can present with a wide range of signs, and I would want to be sure that it was necessary before I went ahead and had it done. Everytime a bunny is put under, there is a risk involved, so you wouldn’t want to do it “just because”. Some vets will take pics of the rabbits spurs so the owner can see what they are looking at.

Is your rabbit having any issues eating hay or pellets, drinking excessive amoutns of water, drooling?

Let me see if I can find some good pics.

Here’s one from vet.uga.edu:

[bouncer]

Thanks for the responses. The vet said he could see small spurs starting to form. I asked how soon this needed to be done and he suggested October since they also ran a discount that month. The total cost ended up being $438, but there were some optional items like running and IV Cath and also the blood test. I think this quote was for both sides.

Our bunny eats timothy hay and pellets. I’ve been buying the third cut hay which is pretty soft. Would giving her harder hay help any at helping her spurs?

[Beka27]

^^^Possibly, altho some rabbits develop them regardless of what type of diet they are on… that’s just how their occlusion is. And the frequency in which they have to be filed will vary from bun to bun.

Some vets are willing to work with people financially when routine procedures become necessary. So if this does end up being an ongoing thing, that might be something to ask about.

[Monkeybun]

What is the hay to pellet ratio your bun is eating, just in curiosity.

[bouncer]

she gets a couple handfuls of hay per day, and 1/4 cup of pellets.

[Author]

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