Pet Forum / Mammals / Rats / October 2003

Apologies if this is one of those Frequently Asked Questions that has
already been answered many times!

My male rat Chomsky's bottom teeth (the two big ones) have started
growing sideways so they don't wear down like they normally would. If
left unattended to they would just grow and spear his upper jaw/cheeks.

We've had them clipped by the vet three times but after the first time
it became necessary to sedate him to do this. The teeth grow back again
in about three weeks. I'm worried that the constant repetition of this
procedure might not be good for him (he's only18 months old) and, of
course, it's a bit expensive although that isn't my main worry.

My vet doesn't know whether these teeth can be extracted and is making
enquiries about this. So I thought I would just check whether anyone
here has had their rat's teeth extracted, whether it was successful and
what problems there may be with it (what do you feed them, for
example).

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Gary