Dentistry of Exotic Animals (Small Mammals) QUIZ

Question 1

T/F: Oral Exam of the hamster should include cheek pouch eversion to evaluate for wounds or infections.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

T/F: Trimming overgrown incisors of small mammals with dog nail clippers in a conscious animal is a rapid, inexpensive and safe way to treat this condition.

Answer 2

False
- Dog nail clippers may cause fracture of teeth or soft tissue injury because they are difficult to control and crush the tooth more than cut. Sedation and a dental bur or file is the best (and safest) way to care for incisor malocclusion.

Question 3

T/F: Because ferrets are carnivores with dental design similar to dogs/cats, COHAT for the ferret is very similar to that of the dog/cat.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

T/F: Dental radiography in small mammals is best performed intraoral (similar to the dental radiographs of dogs and cats).

Answer 4

False
- Small mammal species teeth are evaluated with skull film techniques. This is due to the very small intra-oral size and the need to evaluate the molars and premolars for crown planes/angulation as a set.

Question 5

Post anesthetic/dental procedures in small mammals should include appropriate:
1. Pain medication
2. Appetite stimulants/syringe feeding
3. Antibiotics
4. All choices are correct

Answer 5

4. All choices are correct

Question 6

T/F: Normal occlusive angle for cheek teeth is 30 degrees for rabbits (A), guinea pigs (B) and chinchillas (C).

Answer 6

False.
Each species has its own specific occlusive angle that is correct for the species:
- Chinchillas - flat (0 degree)
- Guinea Pigs - 30 degree medially
- Rabbits - angle from rostral to caudal along a line from hard palate to 1/3 of tympanic bulla height

Question 7

List four possible clinical signs of abnormal oral health in a small mammal species:

Answer 7

1. “Wet chin”
2. Anorexic
3. Decreased BCS/weight loss
4. Eyes bulging

Question 8

List and describe three common causes of malocclusion in rabbits or guinea pigs. (4)

Answer 8

1. Trauma
   - Causing malalignment of teeth.
2. Lack of hay (long fiber) in diet
   - Long grass hay is needed to wear the occlusal surfaces to keep pace with growth rate of 5 mm/year.
3. Hereditary/congenital
   - Prognathism or brachygnathism will cause malalignment of teeth and improper wear.
4. Nutritional Disease
   - Scurvy (Hypovitaminosis C) in guinea pigs and Low calcium: Phosphorous ratios in diet of rabbits (too much alfalfa) will cause gingival and bone disease respectively that may lead to malocclusion.
5. Infection of bone
   - Osteomyelitis of maxilla or mandible can lead to malocclusion.

Question 9

What is the use of this piece of equipment in rabbit/small mammal dentistry?

Answer 9

Cheek Dilators
- To enhance view of oral cavity and protect buccal mucosa from injury during dental procedures of small mammals. (It is used simultaneously with an oral speculum/gag which keeps the jaws apart.)

Question 10

What is a “peg tooth?”

Answer 10

Small, round incisors directly caudal (palatal) to 101 and 202 of the rabbit.
Peg teeth enhancing grabbing and chewing of tough vegetation.