Lecture 16: Exotic Pet Dentistry

How are avian beaks similar in structure to toenails?

germinal layer producing keratin

How are ferrets dental needs similar to dogs and cats?

• Similar anatomy and treatment to dogs and cats - closed rooted teeth

• Fractured canines very common - Extraction vs root canal

• Gingivitis/periodontal disease

What are the types of open-rooted teeth?

• hypsodont: long crown

• aradicular: root remains immature and continues to erupt through life, clinical crown continues to grow throughout life and is worn down by chewing, 50mm/yr compared to 3mm/yr in horses

• hypsodont aradicular - elodont

Describe the teeth in myomorph rodents.

Describe the teeth in hystricomorph rodents.

Describe the teeth in lagomorphs.

What are the treatment options for overgrown incisors in rodents?

• Trimming with diamond bur

• Don’t use nail trimmers - Longitudinal fissures and pain

• Often q6-8 wk

What needs to be removed during incisor extractions in rodents to ensure the tooth will not regrow?

removal of germinal pulp

In rabbits, cheek teeth are at _____ degrees to jaw.

90

What are the treatment challenges of exotic pet dentistry?

• Advanced stage o f disease

• Mixed bacterial population

• Antibiotic limitations

• Patient size and anesthesia risk

• Length of roots

• Intraoral accessibility

• Intubation challenges

• Bone involvement and proximity of other tooth roots