Treatment and Outcomes of Tusk Fractures in Managed African Savanna and Asian Elephants (Loxodonta africana and Elephas maximus) across Five Continents.

Elephant tusk fractures are a clinical challenge that can impact the overall health of the animal, particularly when they result in pulp exposure. An international survey was sent to veterinarians to understand individual fracture characteristics and management strategies as they relate to outcomes, with the goal of better informing treatment procedures. The data set consisted of 79 fractures from 64 elephants (including Asian and African males and females), 44.3% of which were Class III fractures with pulpal involvement. Of this subset, pulp canal exposures of >0.5 cm were 23.8-fold more likely to develop pulpitis than fractures with <0.5 cm exposed, though canal size did not impact healing versus extraction outcome. Odds ratios showed that treatments including endodontics were 12.0-fold more likely to heal than tusks treated exclusively with medical management, though no association was observed in reducing the risk of pulpitis. Further, pulpitis was 7.58-fold more likely to develop when tap water was used to rinse exposed pulpal tissue; a finding that merits further investigation. The use of endodontic treatment versus medical management alone was significantly associated with improved recovery outcomes (i.e., reduced risk of extraction) in tusk fractures with pulpal involvement.

Dental onlay bridge-like prosthesis in three koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus): the use of Premise trimodal composite to prevent interproximal Eucalyptus spp. retention and infection.

Three koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) presented with moderate to severe interproximal space accumulation with Eucalyptus spp. at the San Diego Zoo. Premise trimodal composite was used to create dental onlay bridge-like prostheses to eliminate open, enlarged interproximal spaces. The prostheses prevented further leaf material accumulation within the interproximal spaces and consequently reduced periodontal disease. Aesthetically, the prosthesis replicates normal tooth coloration and appearance and wears at a similar rate to surrounding teeth. Prosthetic repair or replacement may be required, so periodic examination every 3-6 mo is recommended.

Successful treatment of chronic periapical osteomyelitis in a Parma wallaby (Macropus parma) using comprehensive endodontic therapy with apicoectomy.

Although necrobacillosis remains a common condition of captive macropods, there have been limited reports of successful treatment modalities by which it can be treated. Comprehensive endodontic therapy with apicoectomy has been used reliably in human and domestic animal dentistry. This report describes a case of periapical osteomyelitis involving a mandibular incisor in a Parma wallaby (Macropus parma) that was successfully treated using these techniques in conjunction with low-level laser therapy at 810 nm, which was used for decontamination of the pulp cavity, anti-inflammatory, and biostimulatory effects.

Dental malocclusion in a coarse-haired wombat (Vombatus ursinus).

A female coarse-haired wombat held in captivity at the San Diego Zoo from approximately 2 to 16 years-of-age developed a dental malocclusion as a consequence of tooth overgrowth. The incisor premolar and molar teeth in this species are classified as aradicular hypsodont and continue to grow throughout life, presumably to counter the abrasive character of the high fiber high ash, and high silica natural diet. In this case, there was a developmental defect of the maxillary incisor teeth, preventing functional interaction of the maxillary and mandibular incisor teeth. In addition, the captive diet appeared to be insufficiently abrasive, resulting in overgrown and malaligned premolar and molar teeth that were progressively less effective in food mastication and impinged on the tongue and buccal mucosa resulting in soft tissue lesions. The wombat was humanely euthanized, and comparisons of skull appearance and tooth position were made with those features in a wild-caught zoological specimen from the Smithsonian Institution.

"Lumpy jaw" in exotic hoof stock: a histopathologic interpretation with a treatment proposal.

"Lumpy jaw" of artiodactyls and macropods, although often considered a manifestation of actinomycosis, is actually an osteomyelitis, perhaps commencing with a dental root abscess or trauma to the jaw. Anaerobes may be cultured from the lesions, and vegetable matter may be impacted in them. It is a chronic disease and difficult to treat. Successful treatment may include draining the abscess, cleaning the cavity with saline and antibiotics, flushing with a combination of hydrogen peroxide-sodium hypochlorite and Betadine, and apicoectomy and endodontic filling when active inflammation has subsided.