Dental dysplasia: pseudo-odontoma (elodontoma) in rabbits
Esther
van Praag, Ph.D.
Warning:
this page may contain pictures that may be distressing for some persons.
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The growth of benign
masses such as pseudo-odontoma is rarely observed in rabbits. It is a
dysplastic disease in which odontogenic tissue -
dental pulp mesenchymal cells, enamel, dentin, and cementum
- is constantly deposited around the root of maxillary incisors or cheek teeth.
The dysplasia is generally bilateral. EtiologyThe development of pseudo-odontoma is not well understood. It may
be aging, but is more likely related to an inflammatory process at the root
level of rabbit teeth, or to osteoporosis. When the roots of incisors are
affected, it may relate to traumatic damage caused by chewing on e.g., bars
of a cage. Further causes in rodent animals include viral agents or a diet
deficient in nutrients or vitamins. Indeed, the disease was observed in rats
fed a diet deficient in vitamin A. Clinical signs and diagnosisEarly stages of the disease are asymptomatic, without changes of
the outer aspect of affected teeth. It can, therefore, only be recognize on X-rays
of the skull. In a later stage, eruption of the teeth is impaired and
modifications occur in the dental pulp canal. Chewing may become difficult. Further clinical signs are
anorexia, difficult swallowing, gastro-intestinal
problems and affected reluctance to exercise due to dyspnea. Changes of the maxillary incisor and cheek teeth roots and
deformation of the maxillary bone can lead to compression of the
nasolachrymal duct, and will result in overflow of tears (epiphora).
Secondary upper respiratory difficulties are uncommon, unless the
space-occupying mass encroaches on the nasal cavity and airways. The
worsening obstruction of air passage is symptomized by shortness of breath,
and inspiratory paroxysmal respiration (“reverse
sneezing”). Radiography
and CT scan help confirm the diagnosis.
TreatmentCorrection of the problem is difficult. In an early stage,
extraction of the affected tooth/teeth may be attempted. Since hypovitaminosis A has been linked
to pseudo-odontoma in rats, a diet correction may be attempted in early
stages of the disease, by feeding fresh food that is rich in vitamin A.
Overdoses must be avoided; it may increase the problem. Pseudo-odontoma is an expansile disease
that will invade surrounding tissues, therefore, prognosis is guarded. Acknowledgement
Thank
you to Tal Saarony (USA) and to Dr. Gil Stanzione (Dakota Veterinary Clinic,
White Plains, NY, US) for the permission to use these pictures. Further
information
Boussarie D, Rival F. Atlas
de dentisterie du lapin de compagnie. Vetnac Editions. France ; 2010. Boehmer E. Zahnheilkunde bei Kaninchen und
Nargern. Lehrbuch und atlas. Stuttgart, GE: Schattauer; 2011. Harcourt-Brown
F. Textbook of Rabbit Medicine. Oxford, UK: Butterworth-Heinemann; 2001. |
