Odontogenic Abscesses in Pet Rabbits: A Comprehensive Review of Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment Advances

Abstract

Odontogenic abscesses are a frequent and challenging clinical issue in pet rabbits, often requiring a comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic approach. This review collates current evidence on the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of rabbit odontogenic abscesses, with a focus on imaging advances, microbial diversity, and local antimicrobial therapies. Predisposing factors include congenital conformation, inappropriate diet (insufficient abrasiveness, calcium or Vit D deficiencies, etc.), trauma, and neoplasia. Imaging techniques such as CT and cone-beam CT (CBCT) enable early detection and surgical planning, while traditional radiography remains useful in general practice. Treatment includes systemic antibiotics, surgical curettage, and the use of localized delivery systems such as antibiotic-impregnated polymethyl methacrylate (AIPMMA) beads. Adjunctive therapies like Manuka honey are also discussed. Two original heatmaps summarize bacterial prevalence and antimicrobial resistance from six peer-reviewed studies. These visualizations highlight the polymicrobial nature of these infections and the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains. Preventive strategies focus on optimal diet, regular dental checks, and owner education. The review also identifies key gaps in the literature, including the underreporting of anaerobes and lack of standardized treatment protocols. This article aims to support veterinary professionals in delivering evidence-based, individualized care to improve outcomes in rabbits with odontogenic abscesses.

Keywords: exotic animal medicine; odontogenic abscess; polymethyl methacrylate beads; rabbit dentistry; rabbit oral anatomy.

Figure 1

Heatmap showing the presence (blue) or absence (white) of bacterial species cultured from rabbit odontogenic abscesses in six peer-reviewed studies (columns ordered chronologically, 2002 → 2025) [1,13,51,52,53,54]. The grid makes it easy to spot both consistently reported pathogens and rarer or emerging isolates.

Figure 2

Antibiotic resistance heatmap of 421 bacterial isolates cultured from rabbit odontogenic abscesses in six peer-reviewed studies—Fernández et al., 2023 [1], Tyrrell et al., 2002 [13]; Gardhouse et al., 2017 [51]; Crăciun et al., 2025 [52]; Levy & Mans, 2024 [53], and Jekl et al., 2023 [54]. Cells are color-coded from white (0% resistant) to dark red (100% resistant). For each species–drug pair, % R = (number of resistant + intermediate isolates ÷ number tested) × 100; if a study did not test a drug, it was excluded from that denominator. Rows marked with an asterisk (*) and shaded light grey originate from a single dataset that used the same seven-drug panel for all Enterobacterales isolates; hence, these rows share identical percentages.

Figure 3

Treatment flowchart illustrating the local antimicrobial therapy approach for rabbit odontogenic abscesses.