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Despite periodontal disease being recognized as a common condition in captive bearded dragons, there is a lack of data regarding the prevalence. A soft diet has previously been cited as the main risk factor linked to the disease, although there has been little research conducted into the etiology since the disease was first described. The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of dental abnormalities and disease in captive Central bearded dragons in the United Kingdom, and to begin to investigate the risk factors affecting the presence and increased severity of disease in this species. Data collection was conducted from 20 veterinary practices across the United Kingdom from March to October 2018. All bearded dragons presented to participating practices during this time period were assessed for the presence of dental disease, and for each animal a standardized data collection form was completed to provide information concerning the animal's signalment, diet, and health status. Severity of any dental disease was also graded in a subset of bearded dragons (n = 147) by two of the authors using a grading system from 0 to 5. The prevalence of dental abnormalities and disease was 50% in the sampled population of 304 bearded dragons. Increasing age, an abnormal body condition score, presence of concurrent disease, as well as presence of fruit in the diet were all significant risk factors for the presence of dental abnormalities and disease. Contrary to previous reports, neither presence of different live foods in the diet, nor presence of vegetable matter in the diet had any significant associations with dental abnormalities and disease, challenging some of the assumptions made to date about the etiology of dental disease in Central bearded dragons. This study instead found that fruit could be the main dietary risk factor for dental disease and should be excluded from the captive diet of these animals. This study has found a strong association between increasing age and presence of dental abnormalities and disease, and stresses the importance of a thorough oral exam, especially in older individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An adult, 2-year-old, 173 g, intact male degu ( Octodon degus ) was presented to the authors’ clinic with a 2-week history of reduced food intake, weight loss, epiphora, and dyspnea. Physical examination revealed lethargy, cachexia, bilateral serous ocular discharge, dehydration, inspiratory dyspnea, and severe dental disease. Diagnostic investigation showed extensive apical elongation of premolars causing partial nasal cavity obstruction by masses of increased opacity, and loss of conchal detail. The animal was euthanized due to general poor condition and the severity of disease. Postmortem micro–computed tomography showed marked reserve crown elongation of all premolars and molars. All cheek teeth were abnormally curved and had widened interdental spaces. The apex of the maxillary left premolar nearly penetrated the left nasal bone. Both maxillary premolars penetrated into the nasal cavity and caused complete left and partial right nasal cavity obstruction. Apices of all premolars were dysplastic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 6-year-old intact male guinea pig was referred with a 5-day history of reduced food intake and weight loss. Incisor teeth were clipped with nail clippers at another veterinary clinic 4 days earlier. Owing to a poor prognosis and the health status of the animal, the owner elected for euthanasia. Based on the postmortem results of the oral cavity examination, micro–computed tomography analysis, bacteriology, and histopathology, iatrogenic incisor malocclusion, incisor enamel fractures, dental disease, hepatic lipidosis, chronic purulent gingivitis/periodontitis caused by Fusobacterium nucleatum and Prevotella buccae , and dental caries were determined to be the final, postmortem diagnoses. Patients with acquired dental disease should be screened carefully for periodontitis, as periodontal disease is progressive in nature and early detection, diagnosis, and treatment are essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate diagnosis of dental disease and related complications is extremely important in companion rabbit medicine. When dental disease is diagnosed, a proper prognosis and surgical plan is essential for treatment success. The objectives of this retrospective study were to compare survey radiography and computed tomography (CT) of the skull and teeth in rabbit patients affected by dental disease verifying consistency between observers and diagnostic significance of the 2 techniques, and to evaluate diagnostic accuracy of the 2 modalities for prognostic and therapeutic purposes. In total, 27 pet rabbits were included in the study. A second diagnostic procedure was performed on 3 patients with dental disease for a total of 30 examinations for each technique. A full series of 5 extraoral radiographic views and CT scans of the head without contrast medium were obtained from each patient while under general anesthesia. With both series of imaging modalities, 13 bilateral anatomic and dental structures were evaluated by 2 observers for each patient’s skull. Observations were statistically consistent for diagnosis, within the same technique and between the 2 techniques. Diagnostic accuracy of CT was superior in 24 patients (80%) in diagnosis and prognosis and in 17 patients (56.6%) for guiding extraoral dental and surgical treatment. Radiography provided superior accuracy in 5 patients (16.6%) for guiding intraoral dental treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Companion exotic mammal herbivores may be diagnosed with chronic disease that the owner believes is causing acute clinical illness. It is generally believed that because of the enhanced disease-masking ability of these “prey” species, numerous disease states may go unnoticed for a significant period. A veterinarian should be knowledgeable about this behavior trait and consider its possible effects when assessing the patient''s health status. In some cases, the chronic disease condition may respond rapidly to treatment, whereas with other diagnoses, treatment is more frustrating. This article describes a selection of chronic disease conditions that one may diagnose in guinea pigs (e.g., hypovitaminosis C, trixacariasis, urolithiasis, dental disease), chinchillas (e.g., dental disease), and rabbits (e.g., dental disease, renal failure, cranial thoracic mass disease). Gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disease problems diagnosed in companion exotic mammal herbivores are covered elsewhere in this journal issue. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This article describes a case of severe acquired dental disease with elodontoma formation in the nasal cavity of a 3.5-year-old degu (Octodon degus). Physical examination revealed cachexia, bilateral serous nasal discharge, dehydration, inspiratory dyspnea and severe acquired dental disease. Diagnostic investigation revealed severe apical elongation of all cheek teeth, dental caries of the occlusal surface of the first right mandibular premolar, exposed crown lysis (osteoresorption) of the mandibular premolars, and multiple areas of increased opacity of the right nasal cavity with loss of conchal detail. Because of general poor condition and severity of disease, the animal was euthanized. Postmortem examination revealed a mass in the nasal cavity associated with the right maxillary incisor. The mass was characterized on histopathology as an elodontoma. To the authors'' knowledge, this is the first described case of elodontoma in this species. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nonhuman primates require, at minimum, annual dental examination, cleaning, and prophylactic care. Sedation is necessary for examination and may be extended into full anesthesia should dental conditions require oral surgery. Because there is a potential zoonotic disease risk during dental procedures, personal protective equipment should include masks, double gloving, face shields, and goggles. Dental disease commonly treated in nonhuman primates includes tartar and calculus, gingivitis, fractures and caries, periodontal disease, abscesses, and osteomyelitis. Ethical considerations of canine tooth reduction will also be discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ferrets commonly present with dental disease. Principles of veterinary dentistry can be applied to diagnose and treat dental conditions in these animals. Common presentations include calculus, gingivitis, missing teeth, fractured teeth, necrotic teeth, periodontal disease, and dental abscesses. Regular dental cleaning and prophylaxis, along with home brushing, should be encouraged. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Dental disease remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in rabbits, rodents, and other small herbivores. Because of their small oral commissure, the rigid telescope is an ideal tool for examining and working within the buccal cavity of these animals. Focal illumination and magnification provide greater sensitivity and accuracy for identifying occlusal dental disease than other modalities. In addition, the telescope provides intraoperative visualization during dental trimming, extractions, and exploration of abscess, nasal, or paranasal cavities associated with dental structures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This article presents a review of differences in physioanatomy of the masticatory apparatus and pathophysiology of dental disease in rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas. The entire dentition of these commonly kept pets is aradicular hypsodont, with teeth that continue to grow throughout life. This peculiarity of nature is present in animals with marked chewing behavior and allows replacement of tooth substance that is lost because of constant abrasive wear. Evidence is emerging that inappropriate physical form and composition of the diet may be responsible for tooth elongation and associated conditions in captive lagomorphs and rodents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Dental disease in rodents can be difficult to diagnose based on oral examination and radiography alone, but diagnosis can be aided with computed tomography (CT). An adult guinea pig presented with nonspecific signs of pain, mild exophthalmia, and strabismus. Initial complete blood count, plasma biochemistry, and radiographs were nondiagnostic, so high-resolution micro CT was performed. A diagnosis of a tooth root abscess of the left maxillary third molar and associated osteomyelitis was made based on CT images. Micro CT, which can provide superior resolution over conventional CT, has been used primarily for research purposes in veterinary medicine but proved beneficial in this case. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Dentistry is a very important branch of medicine and surgery for exotic pet mammals. Because of their anatomical and physiological differences, many health problems in pet rabbits and herbivorous rodent species are primarily or secondarily related to dental diseases, making this discipline even more important for this group of mammals. Special equipment and other materials are available for diagnosis and treatment of dental diseases in these species. Among them, the most important are mouth gags, cheek dilators, specially designed luxators and extraction forceps, and straight hand pieces for high-speed dental units for cutting and polishing. The small exotic mammal dental suite should also include radiographic and endoscopic equipment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]