Dental malocclusion in pikas
Like rabbits and guinea pigs, pikas have teeth that grow throughout their life (continuously growing teeth). To stay at a normal length, they must wear down naturally through chewing on tough plant fibres. Dental malocclusion is a misalignm...
What is it?
Like rabbits and guinea pigs, pikas have teeth that grow throughout their life (continuously growing teeth). To stay at a normal length, they must wear down naturally through chewing on tough plant fibres.
Dental malocclusion is a misalignment between the upper and lower teeth. When teeth no longer wear properly, they grow abnormally, become deformed, and can injure the mouth.
This condition is common in small herbivores with continuously growing teeth and can become an emergency if the animal can no longer eat.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
A decreased appetite is typically noticed first, with the animal choosing softer foods and avoiding hay or fibrous plants.
Excessive drooling may develop, wetting the chin and chest (sometimes referred to as "wet pika").
Bad breath, discharge from the eye (the roots of the upper teeth are close to the eyes), and swelling of the face or jaw may appear.
The animal may rub its mouth, show progressive weight loss, and have a dull coat due to reduced grooming.
In advanced cases, it refuses all food, which rapidly threatens its life because of its fast metabolism.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
Malocclusion may be genetic or congenital: the upper and lower jaw are not properly aligned from birth or early age.
It can also be acquired, most often due to a diet too low in long fibres (insufficient hay, excess pellets or soft foods), which does not allow natural tooth wear.
Jaw trauma, dental infection (abscess), or deficiency in calcium and vitamin D can also weaken the teeth and promote deformation.
A diet low in fibre and high in processed foods is the main risk factor.
Genetic predisposition in certain breeding lines, young age at first signs, lack of natural light or calcium in the diet, and a history of facial trauma also increase the risk.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
The veterinarian examines the mouth, sometimes using an endoscope or specialized instrument (adapted otoscope) because pikas have small mouths that are difficult to explore.
Light sedation or anesthesia is often necessary for a complete examination of the back teeth.
X-rays of the skull help assess the tooth roots, presence of abscesses, or bone deformities.
Treatment
The main treatment involves regular correction of tooth length (filing) performed by the veterinarian under anesthesia or sedation.
If an infection is present, antibiotic treatment may be prescribed.
Nutritional support (assisted feeding) is sometimes needed if the animal is not eating enough.
In severe or recurrent cases, surgical tooth extraction may be considered.
Long-term dietary adjustment is an integral part of treatment.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
Prevention is based primarily on a diet rich in long fibres, with hay or fibrous plants available at all times, which promotes natural tooth wear.
Soft, sugary, or highly processed foods should be limited.
Regular oral examinations by a vet familiar with exotic animals allow problems to be detected before they worsen.
Avoiding breeding animals with known genetic malocclusion is also recommended.
Possible complications
Without treatment, the animal can develop dental abscesses, painful mouth wounds, severe weight loss, and a decline in overall health that may be life-threatening.
Deformed tooth roots can also compress the tear ducts or eyes, causing discharge or eye infections.
When to see a veterinarian
The animal is eating less or avoiding hay and hard foods.
You notice excessive drooling or a constantly wet chin.
Bad breath or facial swelling appears.
The animal is losing weight or stops eating.
Abnormal eye discharge is visible.
Prognosis
The prognosis is good if the malocclusion is detected early and regularly followed with dental correction sessions.
In cases of severe inherited form or complications such as deep abscess, lifelong monitoring is often necessary.
An animal that stops eating altogether should be seen urgently, because its metabolism does not tolerate prolonged cessation of food intake.
Frequently asked questions
Do pika teeth really grow back throughout their entire life?
Yes, like rabbits, a pika's teeth grow continuously throughout its life. They must wear down naturally through chewing fibrous plants, otherwise they become overgrown and misaligned.
Can you trim your pika's teeth at home yourself?
No, this must always be done by a veterinarian, under sedation or anesthesia, with appropriate equipment. An unprofessional procedure can seriously injure the animal.
Can malocclusion be permanently cured?
A form linked solely to diet can improve significantly with a high-fiber diet. A genetic form often requires lifelong regular corrections.
Does my pika salivate a lot, is it necessarily a malocclusion?
Not necessarily, but it is a frequent sign of dental problems. Only a veterinary examination can confirm the exact cause.
References
WSAVA — World Small Animal Veterinary Association
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 27 August 2026
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