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Cheek Teeth Malocclusion – Rabbit (view source)

Revision as of 10:33, 2 September 2011

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Alterations in the position, shape and structure of the molars leads to malocclusion of the cheek teeth. Deterioration of tooth and bone quality can also contribute to the development of malocclusion.

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The pressure of opposing cheek teeth leads to stoppage of growth and alteration in the pulp cavity and germinal tissues accentuates the hitherto normal angulation of the teeth. In normal rabbits, the cheek teeth are tilted: uppers, laterally towards the cheeks; lowers, medially towards the tongue. This is accentuated once the germinal tissues are affected. Initially the teeth tend to curl then become progressively ~~distored~~. Sometimes these abnormal growing patterns result in the formation of discrete spurs with extremely sharp edges. This can lead to loosening of the teeth, thus increasing the risk of foreign material entering the socket.

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The pressure of opposing cheek teeth leads to stoppage of growth and alteration in the pulp cavity and germinal tissues accentuates the hitherto normal angulation of the teeth. In normal rabbits, the cheek teeth are tilted: uppers, laterally towards the cheeks; lowers, medially towards the tongue. This is accentuated once the germinal tissues are affected. Initially the teeth tend to curl then become progressively distorted. Sometimes these abnormal growing patterns result in the formation of discrete spurs with extremely sharp edges. This can lead to loosening of the teeth, thus increasing the risk of foreign material entering the socket.

Continuous growth and pressure against the crowns of the teeth in the opposing jaw stops the jaw closing and strains the masseter and temporalis muscles – a vicious cycle leading to atrophy of disuse of the jaw and a further reduction of bone density.

Malocclusion of the cheek teeth can lead to [[Incisor Overgrowth – Rabbit|incisor overgrowth]], and the observation of long protruding incisors might be the first sign of a cheek teeth problem the owner will notice.

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==Signalment==

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A rabbit may present at any age with malocclusion of the cheek teeth. Older rabbits with no history of dental disease that present with malocclusions are less likely to have significant underlying problems as their condition has clearly taken several years to develop. Malocclusion in younger rabbits is more likely to have an underlying cause that will require ongoing treatment.

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Malocclusion of the cheek teeth is commonly caused by a functional problem that prevents normal lateral chewing movements. This could be due to intraoral pathology or skeletal, neurologic, muscular and joint abnormalities. It is frequently seen in rabbits that are fed an all concentrate diet. The low fibre content of these diets means the rabbit has to chew less, resulting in overgrowth of the lingual and buccal edges of the cheek teeth.

==Clinical Signs==

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'''Pain and anorexia''' due to the spurs on the cheek teeth. There is often profuse salivation and staining of the fur under the chin and on the forelegs.

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'''Abnormal mandible position''' - with displacement of the jaw to the right or left.

==Trimming Cheek Teeth==

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Avoid muesli type mixes.

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{{Learning

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|flashcards = [[Veterinary Dentistry Q&A 21]]

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}}

==References==

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Harcourt-Brown, F. (2002) '''Textbook of Rabbit Medicine''', ''Elsevier Health Sciences''

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Verstraete, F. J. M. (1998) '''Self-Assessment Colour Review - Veterinary Dentistry''' ''Manson''

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[[Category:Rabbit Dentition]]

[[Category:Expert Review - Exotics]]

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[[Category: To Do - Siobhan Brade]]

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[[Category:To Do - Manson review]]

Siobhanbrade

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