Dentistry in Rabbits and Rodents

Dentistry in Rabbits and Rodents is a practical guide aimed at helping clinicians successfully diagnose and treat dental problems in rabbits and rodents within their own surgeries. With over two-thirds of small mammals presenting with tooth related problems, there is great potential to enhance the treatment offered to the owners of these species. Focusing on innovative diagnostics using normal radiographic machines as well as specific positioning techniques, radiographs are presented with reference lines and detailed annotations. Richly illustrated with high quality photographs, pathological findings are described before selection of appropriate therapy and treatment is discussed. Key features include: Covers the dental anatomy and physiology of all small mammal species commonly kept as pets. Intraoral radiography and innovative positioning for imaging the guinea pig and chinchilla dentitions are described, enabling the practitioner to visualize each tooth in detail. Once a diagnosis has been reached, selection of different treatments and the advantages and disadvantages of each surgical technique are discussed. Offers helpful directives for approaching and treating dental disease without the need for referral to a specialist or the use of expensive equipment.

Foreword vi Preface viii 1 Dental Treatment of Small Mammals – Development and Aims 1 2 Basics of Odontology 5 3 Classification and Anatomical Characteristics of the Lagomorphs and Rodents 21 4 Clinical Examination 35 5 Radiographic Examination 49 6 Computed Tomography 88 7 Anesthesia and Analgesia 90 8 Instruments for Examination and Treatment 107 9 Diseases of the Incisors 118 10 Changes of the Cheek Teeth 153 11 Abscesses 213 12 Periodontal Diseases and Caries 242 13 Other Changes of the Jaw 254 14 Follow-up and Prognosis 260 15 Appendix 267 References 270 Further Reading 276 Index 280