Health Issue: Malocclusion.

by **Tan** Thu Nov 25, 2010 5:32 am

Contrary to what some people believe, Malocclusion is a mammalian dental condition (not restricted to Lagomorphs & Rodents) that is quite common in humans too. To simplify, it is a misalignment of the teeth.

In animals such as Rodents and Lagomorphs whose teeth are open rooted, thus growing continuously through out their lives, there is no natural wearing down of the teeth due to the misalignment so length cannot be controlled by the animal, this in turn can cause sever health problems. Some of the causes for this condition are genetics (being pre-disposed), inappropriate diet, cancer, infection and injury to the jaw with genetic, injury and bacterial infections noted as the three main causes.

If the animal has congenital (meaning damage in the foetus as it develops and NOT automatically a genetic condition. However, ALL genetic conditions are congenital, confusing as this may seem) malocclusion which can also be referred to as a birth defect if detected early on, then the usual course of treatment many take is veterinary dental visits. The teeth are normally filed or clipped, this is also know as burring due to the name of the tool used which is a dental burr or rotary file. In some animals, the teeth are permanently removed (although in some cases they can grow back).

Malocclusion warning signs are;

Visibly noticeable over grown teeth
Reduction in food intake or difficulty eating
Reduced size of faeces
Drooling and a wet chin
Weight loss
Anorexia

These are all signs of mouth problems and need addressing as soon as they are noticed.

It is not uncommon for animals to die during or shortly after dental procedures due to their weakened state which is why knowledge is the key and owners need to learn how to check their animal’s teeth in order to catch any dental problems early on before the condition affects the animal’s physical well being.

written by Tan Walter