Variation in Craniodental Pathologies Among Cercopithecoid Primates.

Pathologies of the skull and teeth are well documented for many human populations, but there are fewer studies of other primates. We contrast lesion prevalence and patterning among cercopithecoid primates and map variation onto socioecological variables. We compare craniodental lesions in six species: Nasalis larvatus (n = 54), Colobus polykomos (n = 64), Cercopithecus mitis (n = 65), Macaca fascicularis (n = 109), Theropithecus gelada (n = 13), and Papio anubis (n = 76). One of us (C.A.K.) evaluated each adult skull for multiple lesion types using standard criteria. We also tested for a relationship between lesion prevalence and cranial suture fusion (age proxy). We used nonparametric tests for sex and species differences as well as pathology co-occurrence in SPSS. Socioecological data come from previous studies. Sex differences in lesion prevalence were only detected in P. anubis. Within taxa, some lesion types co-occurred. In Macaca, the presence of caries was associated with several other lesion types. Pulp cavity exposure co-occurred with TMJ osteoarthritis in multiple taxa. Among taxa, male P. anubis had higher lesion prevalences, particularly related to the anterior dentition and facial trauma. Because we did not detect a relationship between suture fusion and lesion prevalence, we propose that craniodental lesions may also be influenced by socioecological variables such as group composition and ratio of fruit to leaves in the diet. Our findings suggest that pain from pulp cavity exposure and related dental infections may alter chewing biomechanics and contribute to onset of TMJ osteoarthritis in nonhuman primates, as seen in humans. Further, we suggest that higher lesion prevalence in male baboons is likely related to male-male competition. Skeletal lesion analysis provides useful insight into primate socioecology, particularly for rare or difficult-to-observe phenomena, and provides additional biological context for our own species.

Dental erosion following clopidogrel administration in a dog: A case-based study.

A 10-year-old neutered male Chihuahua presented with unilateral dental erosion that occurred after several months of oral medications mixed with honey. A pH test was performed on all oral medications administered to the dogs to determine the cause of enamel erosion. Among the medications, the only acidic medication was clopidogrel (pH 2.65). To evaluate the effect of clopidogrel on the tooth surface under the same conditions as in the present patient, an additional preliminary study was designed in which two extracted teeth of another dog were immersed in a clopidogrel-honey mixture or only in honey. After a 3-week soaking of the extracted tooth in the clopidogrel-honey mixture, field-emission scanning electron microscope analysis revealed a rougher surface, whereas energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis showed a reduced Ca/C ratio compared to the control tooth. In this case, prolonged exposure of the tooth surface to clopidogrel may be a cause of dental erosion.

Dental and temporomandibular joint pathology of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes).

Skulls from 305 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) were examined using predefined criteria to assess for the presence and severity of dental and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pathology. Of the 305 specimens examined, 131 were male (42.9%), 103 were female (33.4%), 71 were of unknown sex (23.3%), 238 were adults (78.03%) and 67 were young adults (21.97%), with juveniles excluded from the study. Of a maximum of 12,810 possible teeth, 12,355 (96.5%) were present for examination, 72 (0.6%) were absent congenitally, 97 (0.8%) were acquired tooth loss and 280 (2.2%) were absent artefactually. Eight teeth (0.06%) in five specimens (1.6%) had abnormal tooth form and four (0.03%) supernumerary teeth were present across four (1.3%) specimens. Ten persistent deciduous teeth were present in seven (2.3%) specimens and six (0.05%) unerupted teeth were found in four (1.1%) specimens. Root number variation was present in 51 (0.4%) teeth, predominantly premolar teeth. Twenty-one (6.9%) specimens had lesions consistent with enamel hypoplasia and 42 (13.8%) showed root fenestrations in the maxillary alveolar bone. Periodontitis and attrition/abrasion were present in most specimens (56.7% and 96.1%, respectively). Three-hundred and eighty (3.1%) teeth were fractured, with the most common fracture type being root fractures. Eleven periapical lesions were found in nine (0.03%) specimens. Six-hundred and eight TMJs were evaluated and many specimens (11.5%) had evidence of low-grade TMJ osteoarthritis. Overall, these red foxes share similar dental pathology to other foxes, but had a higher prevalence of congenital tooth absence, persistent deciduous teeth, TMJ pathology and enamel hypoplasia.

Advances in dental management in the equine geriatric patient: strategies for improved welfare.

Geriatric horses have a high prevalence of dental disease, which is a culmination of age-related dental changes and dental disease throughout the life of the horse that may have long-term consequences. Wear abnormalities, diastemata with periodontal disease, pulpitis and endodontic disease, infundibular caries, and equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis become more prevalent with age. Recognition of age-related dental disease at an early stage can help to treat and possibly preserve teeth for longer. With a natural decrease in masticatory efficiency, it is even more important to preserve teeth where possible and prevent any painful dental disease. Regular routine dental examination and maintenance will help to prevent many dental conditions such as wear disorders and possibly secondary diastemata. Successful treatment and management of most dental diseases are possible even in older patients and will ensure that we are able to maintain a high standard of welfare as horses age.

Dental and temporomandibular joint pathology of the island fox (Urocyon littoralis).

Museum skull specimens from 318 island foxes (Urocyon littoralis) were examined macroscopically according to predefined criteria. The study population included males (n = 129, 40.6%), females (n = 93, 29.3%) and animals of unknown sex (n = 96, 30.2%), and comprised 182 (57.2%) adults, 118 (37.1%) young adults and 18 (5.7%) individuals of unknown age, with juveniles and neonates excluded. The number of teeth present for examination was 11,438 (85.6%) with 1918 (14.4%) absent artefactually, 4 (0.03%) absent congenitally and 243 (1.82%) lost ante mortem through acquired tooth loss. There were seven persistent deciduous teeth (0.05%) in three specimens and 11 supernumerary teeth (0.08%) in 10 specimens. Teeth with extra roots were found in 38 skulls (11.9%) with 0.48% of all teeth affected. Two (0.63%) specimens had one tooth with an abnormal form. Fifty-eight (18.2%) specimens had bone fenestrations. Of the alveoli examined, 5361 (46.9%) displayed bony changes suggestive of periodontitis, with 315 (99.1%) of skulls affected. Of the teeth available for examination in 310 specimens (97.5%), most (n = 6,040, 52.8%) had some degree of attrition or abrasion. Fractures affected 1217 (11.0%) of the teeth present in 266 specimens (83.6%). Twenty-three periapical lesions (0.20%) were present in 16 skulls (5.03%). Evidence of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis was found in seven specimens (0.02%) on either the mandibular head of the condylar process or on the mandibular fossa of the temporal bone.

DENTAL DISEASES AND OTHER ORAL PATHOLOGIES OF CAPTIVE JAGUARS (PANTHERA ONCA) FROM BELIZE, CENTRAL AMERICA.

Dental and oral diseases are prevalent in many mammalian species including wild felids. Determining the dental and oral health status of captive animal populations can help establish preventive and therapeutic strategies, leading to improved welfare and conservation efforts. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of periodontal disease, endodontic disease, tooth resorption, and other clinically relevant dental and maxillofacial abnormalities in a population of captive jaguars (Panthera onca) using clinical, radiographic, and histopathological findings. Fifteen jaguars, ranging from young adult to geriatric, kept at a private zoo in Belize, Central America, had a detailed oral examination under general anesthesia between January 2015 and March 2019. Periodontitis was present in 3.8% (16/423) of examined teeth and 53.8% (7/13) of jaguars that underwent periodontal probing. Endodontic disease secondary to dentoalveolar trauma was found in 21.0% (89/423) of teeth in 73.3% (11/15) of animals. Tooth resorption, which has not been previously documented in jaguars, affected 1.4% (6/423) of teeth in 13.3% (2/15) of jaguars. Other abnormalities included metallic foreign material (gunshot) identified radiographically in 33.3% (5/15) of jaguars and nontraumatizing malocclusion in 9.1% (1/11) of jaguars that had occlusion evaluated. Much of the oral pathology identified in captive jaguars is suspected to arise from capture and/or captivity-associated behaviors, as suggested by gunshot around the oral cavity, fractures of rostral teeth (canine and incisor teeth), and abrasions consistent with cage-biting on canine teeth. Anesthetized oral examination-including full-mouth intraoral radiographs, periodontal probing, and charting-is recommended for jaguars with clinical signs of oral pain, as well as for routine systemic evaluation.

A Brief History of Equine Dental Practice.

Equine dentistry has been practiced for almost 3000 years, making it one of the oldest areas of equine health care. Progress has been slow and mirrored changes seen in human medical care. Many horsemen practiced equine dentistry during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Most of what was known then concentrated on sharp enamel points and abnormal dental occlusal wear. This changed slowly in the late twentieth century as research in equine dentistry increased. Today, veterinarians performing equine dentistry focus on detailed oral examination and base treatment for proper diagnosis of orthodontic, endodontic, periodontal, or other forms of dental disease.

Equine Oral Extraction Techniques.

This article serves as a template for equine veterinarians to become proficient in basic intraoral premolar and molar extraction techniques of Equidae. Indications, equipment, and methodology are described. Numerous photos and videos are included to achieve a more immersive learning experience than can be accomplished with the written word alone. Clinicians performing these techniques will continue to improve their skillsets to achieve positive outcomes as case specifics become more challenging.

Equine Standing Surgical Extraction Techniques.

Dental repulsion techniques reported in the past decades have a high incidence of complications. Although the practice of surgical extractions in horses is limited because of the training, instrumentation, and experience required to perform these techniques, veterinarians should be aware these procedures are available, general anesthesia is not required, and when performed by skilled veterinary dentists they have low complication rates. Surgical techniques are often used after failure of other extraction techniques to remove retained tooth root and fragments or to debride chronically contaminated orofacial lesions. However, surgical extractions should be considered during initial treatment planning of all complicated cases.

Minimizing Equine Tooth Extraction Complications.

Oral extraction has become the most popular extraction technique owing to its high rate of success with minimal major complication. Repulsion continues to produce unacceptably high iatrogenic complication rates. To avoid tooth repulsion, veterinary dentists have introduced procedures to facilitate difficult intraoral extractions and surgical extraction techniques. Minimizing complications is best achieved preoperatively. A comprehensive preoperative evaluation and treatment plan allows the dentist to predict intraoperative complication and prepare for procedures to produce the best outcome. With proper case selection and adherence to extraction principles, the primary veterinarian and the veterinary dentist can perform equine tooth extractions with minimal complications.

Equine Oral Endoscopy.

Oral endoscopy is a valuable addition to the equine dental examination process. It enables veterinarians to visualize subtle oral disorders and is a useful client education tool. There are several commercially available oral endoscopic systems on the market. Practitioners can also assemble their own systems. An oral endoscope is used to perform a thorough and systematic oral examination and to visualize normal oral structures as well as oral disorders. It is also used to guide instrument placement during oral surgeries and other dental procedures.

Adjunct Extraction Techniques in Equine Dentistry.

Adjunct extraction techniques are used when the shape or integrity of the tooth, the shape or size of the patient's oral cavity, the location of the tooth, or the location of the proximal teeth prevents or complicates standard oral extraction. Techniques described and discussed include partial coronectomy, tooth sectioning, minimally invasive buccotomy, transbuccal screw extraction, and commissurotomy.

Effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on glomerular filtration rate and urinary N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase activity in cats after dental surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of meloxicam or carprofen on glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and to evaluate the effect of meloxicam on urinary N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) activity, of cats after dental surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, blinded, controlled trial. ANIMALS: A total of 24 mixed breed cats. METHODS: Cats were randomly assigned to one of three groups (n = 8 per group): meloxicam (0.2 mg kg-1); carprofen (4 mg kg-1); or saline (2 mL). Acepromazine (0.04 mg kg-1) and buprenorphine (0.02 mg kg-1) were administered intramuscularly as preanaesthetic medication. Test drugs were injected subcutaneously at the time of preanaesthetic medication. Anaesthesia was induced with intravenous propofol and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), respiratory rate (fR), heart rate (HR) and haemoglobin oxygen saturation values (SpO2) were recorded. All cats underwent ultrasonic dental scaling with polishing. Teeth extraction involved mucosal flap creation, removal of alveolar bone and flap closure. Plasma iohexol clearance (ICL), a measure of GFR, was estimated before and 24 hours after anaesthesia induction in all cats. Urinary NAG index was estimated in saline and meloxicam groups at the same time points as GFR. Between-group and -time point differences in GFR and NAG index were compared using mixed model analyses. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation (p < 0.05). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in plasma ICL rate (range: from 1.22 ± 0.05 to 1.27 ± 0.04 mL kg minute-1) between groups or between time points. Urinary NAG index (range: from 1.0 ± 0.19 to 1.36 ± 0.29 Units gram-1) was not significantly different between meloxicam and saline groups. MAP, HR, fR and SpO2 did not differ significantly between groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Meloxicam and carprofen appeared to produce nonsignificant effects on GFR, and meloxicam did not affect the urinary NAG activity, of cats after dental surgery.

Clinical dental finding in Iranian horses.

BACKGROUND: A horse's well-being is directly related to the management of its dental health. A good knowledge of the epidemiology and aetiology of dental disorders could help the owners and clinicians to prevent not only dental problems but also severe gastrointestinal diseases. OBJECTIVES: In this study we report the prevalence of dental disorders in horses in Iran. METHODS: We examined 317 horses randomly in eight provinces in Iran and 21 diseases were characterized in the examined horses. The observed diseases were compared among different breeds, genders and ages of the examined horses. RESULTS: The factor of age among the other three factors was more important in the incidence of diseases because most of the diseases found were significantly different among age groups. Between different breeds examined, only cheek teeth cemental caries in Kurdish and Arabian horses was significantly different (p = .022). Enamel point with an occurrence of 34.4% was the most common disease. Broken cheek teeth were more prevalent in male horses in comparison with female horses (p = .035). CONCLUSION: Our study showed a moderate prevalence of dental disorders in Iranian horse clubs, which could be reduced with better management.

Nutrition as an etiological factor causing diseases in endangered huemul deer.

OBJECTIVES: Distinct diseases prevent endangered huemul deer (Hippocamelus bisulcus) recovery. Fundamental etiological factors include nutriments, a mayor component of habitat quality. Undernutrition affects growth, skeletal development, osteopathology, reproduction and immunocompetence: this paper amplifies data corroborating micro-nutrient deficiencies among huemul. RESULTS: In Argentina, 57% huemul cadavers exhibited osteopathology, with new cases reported here. Recently, 86% live huemul had osteopathology: cranial lesions involved antemortem tooth loss, reducing feeding efficiency and body condition, with starvation deaths. This population had tissues well deficient compared to other cervids, averaging 0.28 ppm selenium, 4.98 ppm copper, whereas for manganese 55% were deficient (2.52 ppm) and 45% adequate (42.79 ppm). Recently, lesions in one Chilean huemul were interpreted to stem from parapoxvirus. That population also has cases with cranial osteopathologies, high disease susceptibility (parapoxvirus, parasitism, foot lesions), crippled antlers, and low density, indicative of marginal habitat and primary etiological factors like undernutrition and immunosuppression. The reported atypical symptoms attributed to parapoxvirus may relate to probable diagnostic limitations, but does support presence of nutritional deficiencies. Patagonia has selenium deficient plants and livestock, including severe muscular dystrophy, and soil levels in extant huemul areas considered very deficient. Moreover, 73% of Chilean huemul were selenium deficient and 64% severely deficient with concomitant cranial osteopathology.

Dental disorders in sows from Swedish commercial herds.

Knowledge on dental disorders in commercial sows is limited although such conditions may have important animal welfare implications. In a pilot study, the dental and periodontal health of 58 sows (Landrace*Yorkshire-crosses) from 8 Swedish commercial pig herds, slaughtered at one abattoir, were investigated. The oral cavity was inspected and abnormalities were recorded on a dental chart modified for pigs. Dental abnormalities, absence of teeth, supernumerary teeth, tooth fractures, signs of caries, and malalignment were recorded. The study revealed that 19% of the sows had supernumerary teeth and 59% of the sows missed at least one tooth. Periodontitis, calculus and malalignment were observed in 33%, 45% and 17%, respectively. Tooth wear was very common both in incisors (total 83%) and in premolars/molars (total 84%). One or more tooth fractures (between 1 and 6 per sow) was found in 41%. Signs of caries was found in 9%. In order to assess oral health, three indices were used: calculus index (CI), periodontal index (PDI) and tooth wear index (TWI). Severe periodontitis, tooth wear in incisors and tooth wear in premolars/molars were found in 7%, 34% and 35%, respectively. With respect to animal welfare, the etiology and the effects of the disorders on health, stress and pain need to be investigated.

Oral and Dental Examination Findings in European Polecats (Mustela putorius).

Dental and oral diseases in the domestic ferret have been reported, but comparison with their closest wild relative, the European polecat (Mustela putorius), is lacking. Dental and orofacial pathology was evaluated by means of visual examination and dental radiographical analysis of 234 museum skulls. Most of these (70.5%) originated from Austria and the remainder came from seven other European countries. Linguoverted mandibular second incisor teeth were noted in 77% of the skulls. There were 7,268 (91.4% of all potential) teeth available for examination. Few (0.3%) were presumed congenitally missing and 0.5% were presumed missing by acquired means. Supernumerary teeth were present in 2.6% of the skulls. Most (65.6%) of the maxillary first molar teeth were three rooted with the palatal root protruding into the orbit. Most (67.2%) of the mandibular first molar teeth were three rooted with the smaller third root being positioned in the furcation of the two larger roots. Thirty-one percent of the teeth were four rooted, with the smaller fourth root also being positioned in the furcation of the two largest roots. Attrition/abrasion was shown by 17.2% of the teeth in 47% of the skulls. Periodontitis was recognized in 57.6% of the teeth in 91.9% of the skulls and dental fractures were noted in 7.2% of the teeth in 62% of the skulls. Radiographical evidence of endodontic disease was found in 25% of the fractured teeth. Tooth resorption, in the form of external inflammatory resorption associated with endodontic disease, was found in 0.1% of teeth in 2.1% of skulls. Extrusion affected 44% of the canine teeth. Lesions consistent with infection by the helminth Troglotrema acutum were identified in 33.3% of the skulls. Oral and dental disease was significant and varied, often consistent with reports of the species domestic counterpart - the ferret. Comparison with other mustelids, notably the beech marten (Martes foina), showed both clear consistencies and discrepancies, dependent on the type of pathology.

Recent developments in equine dentistry.

Equine dentistry is a rapidly developing clinical specialty. It has benefitted from key advances in anatomical and physiological research, development of equipment and instrumentation, utilisation of standing sedation and anaesthesia protocols, a change towards minimally invasive surgical techniques, and the introduction of restorative and endodontic techniques translated from techniques used in human and canine dentistry. Anatomical research has provided further insight into the endodontic system of incisors and cheek teeth and how it changes throughout development with age. Studies of the periodontium have demonstrated a rich vascular supply and repair capacity. Routine dental visits are increasingly being performed utilising sedation and clinical instruments for routine examinations. Equipment has become more efficient, battery-operated and miniaturised giving benefits to both equine dental maintenance work and advanced techniques, assisting the transition to minimally invasive techniques, and the development of endodontic and restorative dentistry. Diagnosis has also benefitted from advances in equipment such as patient-side digital radiography systems, high definition oroscopy, and small diameter flexible fibrescopes that are capable of visualising inside a pulp canal. Dental units combining endodontic high- and low-speed drills, suction and air or water flush are becoming increasingly used and adapted for equine use. Sedative combinations and standing anaesthesia protocols have meant that revisions of traditional techniques, as well as novel techniques, can be performed with almost no requirement for general anaesthesia. Equine dentistry can only continue to advance in this way if there is early identification of dental disease through clinical oral examinations, leading to a system based on prophylaxis, as in human dentistry. This necessitates a change in attitude of the public and industry in general to a proactive approach, with early intervention based on examination and diagnostic findings of practitioners and not necessarily based on the clinical signs displayed by the patient.

Dental Pathology of the Domestic Pig (Sus Scrofa Domesticus).

Antemortem domestic pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) dental pathology literature is sparse. This observational descriptive study evaluated 23 client-owned pigs that while sedated/anesthetized for routine annual care had intraoral dental radiographs and an oral examination performed. Age, gender, weight, and breed for each pig were recorded. Oral examination and radiographic findings were reviewed to create a comprehensive list of dental abnormalities identified. Descriptive statistics were performed to summarize the data. The study population included 14 castrated males and 20 Vietnamese pot-bellied mini-pigs. The median age was 3 years (range 2-12 years), and the median weight was 39 kg (range 11-140 kg). The most common finding was missing teeth (21/23 pigs); the first premolar tooth was the most likely to be absent (64/106 missing teeth). Periodontal disease was common (20/23 pigs). Advanced stages primarily affected the first molar teeth frequently in the form of a mucogingival defect. Supernumerary roots were discovered on the maxillary canine teeth in female pigs only (10/25 teeth with supernumerary roots). The most common persistent deciduous tooth was the maxillary second incisor (15/19 persistent deciduous teeth). Non-age or gender related open apices were most likely associated with mandibular first and second incisor teeth (26/96 teeth with open apices). Tooth resorption was also identified (7/23 pigs). The study findings prove that pet pigs commonly have dental pathology; therefore, thorough oral examinations with intraoral radiographs should be included in porcine routine health care regimens.

[Blood gas analysis in rabbits during a completely antagonizable anesthesia with special focus on oxygen management]. / Blutgasanalyse beim Kaninchen während einer vollständig antagonisierbaren Anästhesie unter besonderer Berücksichtigung des Sauerstoffmanagements.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the consequences of different oxygen supplementation methods on arterial blood gas analysis during an injectable anesthesia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 29 rabbits with dental diseases (tooth elongation) were sampled before, during and after coronal reduction. Oxygen was provided either via the flow-by method or with a nasal oxygen tube; the control group breathed room air. RESULTS: All patients receiving oxygen developed respiratory acidosis that intensified during the course of anesthesia. Furthermore, these groups experienced reduced respiratory rates intraoperatively, nevertheless they showed elevated oxygen parameters (hyperoxemia) in the arterial blood gas analysis. No significant differences could be demonstrated between the 2 oxygen providing methods. In the control group, pH remained stable, the oxygen parameters however decreased to less than 80 mmHg (hypoxemia). CONCLUSIONS: Although there were no clinical consequences of hypoxemia or hyperoxemia, moderate oxygen support during an injectable anesthesia is recommended due to the development of hypoxemia. A balance between oxygen supply and oversupply needs to be established to aid in avoiding oxygen toxicity.