During development, incomplete closure of the palate, the tissue on the upper jaw, may result in an open defect or cleft palate. Occasionally when the cleft palate was caused by a developmental problem, a malformed nose may also be present (cleft nares). Developmental clefts palates...
Supernumerary, or extra, teeth may or may not result in secondary problems. The most common problems that may occur because of supernumerary teeth include orthodontic malocclusion or crowding of teeth. Supernumerary teeth should be radiographed (x-rayed) to make sure they are healthy and not causing...
Craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO) is usually seen in young, growing West Highland White, Scottish, and Cairn Terriers. This condition presents as swelling of the lower jaw (mandible). Diagnostics, including blood work, jaw x-rays, and biopsy, help rule out other causes for jaw swelling. The condition resolves...
Persistent or retained deciduous (baby) teeth occurs when the baby teeth do not fall out when they are scheduled to. Often times, you can often see the baby teeth in place right on top of the adult teeth. Causes include genetic, nutritional, or hormonal reasons....
Delayed eruption refers to a condition in which teeth don't appear on schedule (see below). This could occur with the late appearance of baby (deciduous) teeth or adult (permanent) teeth. A delay in tooth appearance should be differentiated from tooth absence ( Missing Teeth...
Possible causes for a missing tooth include congenital absence (never formed), non-eruption (present below the gum line but didn't come in), or tooth defects/malformation. Anytime a missing tooth is discovered, an intra-oral radiograph (x-ray) is indicated. Because anesthesia is needed to obtain good...
Tooth resorption occurs when an animal's tooth is attacked by its own body and undergoes disintegration. Tooth resorption usually originates below the gum line, but is not visualized until it spreads to above the gum line. This condition occurs in many animal species, but most...
Enamel dysplasia literally means that the enamel, the outside layer of the tooth, did not form properly during development. It is either caused by enamel hypoplasia or hypocalcification. It can occur either on a few teeth or can affect the whole mouth. Teeth will often...
Just like in people, carious lesions (cavities) can occur in dogs and rarely in cats. The most commonly affected teeth are the back molars. Like human teeth, dog molars have a relatively flat chewing surface, with deep pits and fissures. Bacteria can invade the tooth...
Attrition is the physical wear of teeth as a result of heavy chewing, biting, or wearing against other teeth (like with orthodontic malocclusion). Teeth with attrition appear shortened in height. Skin allergies and resultant chewing may cause attrition of the incisors (front teeth). Tennis balls and...
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