Diagnostics and correction of dental pathology in rodents and lagomorphs
Abstract
The article presents the different types of abnormal bite found in rodents and lagomorphs. Methods of diagnosis, treatment and prognosis are considered. Some malocclusions are curable, while others can only be controlled in the course of life through regular examination by a veterinary doctor and periodic correction. The need to conduct a complete examination of the oral cavity and find the cause of the disease is emphasized, since this will seriously affect the prognosis. When establishing a diagnosis, it is necessary to obtain information about the animal from the owner and conduct a thorough clinical examination of all patients, and, if necessary, using a radiology examination. Animals suffering from systemic diseases require special attention, and in severe conditions, life-threatening should urgently respond to treatment. Therapeutic measures for this pathology provide for dental correction, including the elimination of problems associated with excessive tooth growth, consists in filing the hooks and revising the commissure. Sometimes teeth affected by caries must be removed. All procedures are performed strictly under general anesthesia.
The main reason for the occurrence of such diseases is the inheritance of an incorrect configuration of the bones of the skull and teeth (a genetic defect in the jaw apparatus). In recent years, as a result of the low level of breeding work, the number of such animals has increased in several cases. However, there are a number of other reasons: improper feeding (an excess of succulent feed in the diet and a lack of coarse ones), a lack of ascorbic acid and an excess of selenium; other metabolic disorders; violations of the density of dental tissues due to errors in feeding (violation of the exchange of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D); trauma in the head area; diseases of the temporomandibular joint; tumors; refusal to eat in the presence of other diseases accompanied by pain and discomfort for the animal.
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