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Minor accumulation of supragingival calculus in a 2-year-old ferret. While unsightly, the gumline is not affected, and at this time, dental prophylaxis is not required. (Photo courtesy of Matt Staroscik, http//www.washingtonferrets.org) |
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Moderate accumulation of supragingival calculus in a ferret with moderate gingivitis. The reddened gumline indicates the presence of gum inflammation, and possibly early stages of periodontal disease. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Elizabeth Vickridge, BVMS MACVSc, Veterinary Dental Group, Perth, Australia) |
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More extensive tartar accumulation, gingivitis, and the receding inflamed gum suggests the presence of periodontal disease. There is also inflammation of the inside of the upper lip where it contacts the calculus. |
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This picture tells a sad story. Note the oral foreign body lodged across the palate between the molars of the upper arcade. Closer inspection shows that both canines are broken off close to the gumline and are discolored, suggesting death of these teeth. |
Periodontal disease is infection of the gums, the bones of the jaws, nd the connective tissues which anchor teeth in place. It is by far the most common cause of tooth loss in the ferret, and is most prevalent in older animals, or those on soft diets. Rarely, immunosuppressed animals, such as those on long-term immunosuppressive drugs or those with lymphoma, may present with severe periodontal disease.
There are a number of terms that you may hear when the subject of periodontal disease is discussed. Plaque is a clear film of bacteria and salivary proteins which adheres to teeth as quickly as 12 hours post cleaning, and almost immediately after a meal. As mineral is added to the mix (usually dietary calcium and phosphorus), it is incorporated into the plaque and tartar or calculus is formed. The presence of calculus results in gingivitis and over time, there is a gradual shift in the bacterial flora of the irritated gingiva toward more destructive species. Additionally, the roughened surface of the tooth caused by the calculus increases the rate at which additional calculus is laid down.
The normal gingival sulcus of the ferret contains such bacteria as Pasteurella, Corynebacterium, and Rothia, all fairly benign bacterial species. However, the sulcus of animals with periodontal disease contains high levels of Fusobacterium necrophorum (commonly seen in periodontal disease in other animal species), Pseudomonas, and Proteus. Treatment of animals with immunosuppressive drugs resulted in an additional population of Eubacterium sp. The combination of the physical irritation caused by the presence of the calculus as well as byproducts of the bacteria contained within the inflamed gingival crevice will over time break down the connective tissues surrounding the tooth, and cause tooth loss as well as potential infection of the surrounding bone.
Periodontal disease is far more easily prevented than treated. Daily brushing of the teeth will help to remove plaque, as well as keep the gingiva healthy. If tartar has already accumulated, careful inspection of the teeth should be done to ascertain whether gingivitis is present. If no gingivitis is present, experienced owners may elect to scrape the tartar from the tooth; care to avoid damage to the gums is paramount. However, if the gums are inflamed and reddened, the ferret should be seen by a veterinarian or veterinary dentist for a complete cleaning (also known as a dental prophylaxis), scaling (removal of subgingival tartar), and polishing.
Ferret teeth may be brushed with a small soft rubber "toothbrush" which fits over the finger. These are available through veterinarian's offices as well as some pet stores. While ferrets are generally not pleased with the process, they rarely resist aggressively. There are a number of toothpastes available for animals, and poultry flavors are usually the best tolerated. Ferret teeth are easily brushed from the commissure of the mouth forward; be careful not to open the ferrets mouth any wider than necesary to prevent injury to the ferret and yourself.
Diet has a large part in preventing tartar formation. Ferrets which are on a soft bland diet are at high risk for development of periodontal disease. For this reason, the feeding of dry kibble has long been advocated for ferrets. The feeding of animal bones, which has been previously recommended to decrease the buildup of tartar is probably not a good idea, as it may contribute to slab fractures of molars.
Another common problem in the ferret mouth is that of fractured teeth. Bored ferrets may often chew on the wire of their cages. Canine teeth, especially those of the upper jaw, on most likely to break off in this situation. Luckily for these ferrets, the tooth pulp does not extend as far down into the tooth as it does in other species. This means that pulp exposure and a requirment for extraction or endodontic therapy is less likely in fractured canine teeth. Additionally, the pulp cavity of the ferret canine tooth narrows and shortens with age. Canine teeth that are fractured close to the gumline, or those that are discolored or actively bleeding need to be quickly assessed by a veterinarian or veterinarian dentist. Less obvious fractures which required treatment are post which results in salivation, difficulty eating, or obvious signs of pain while eating. In addition to the apin of such injuries, endodontic therapy (root canal) is most successful when performed soon after the injury has occured.
Occasionally, foreign objects can find their way into and lodge in the oral cavity of ferrets. As seen on this page, they can become wedged between the teeth of the upper or lower jaw. These animals may gag, paw at the mouth, or salivate, and are usually in obvious distress. String foreign bodies are a special problem in animals which chew on bedding and occasionally catch on a tooth or the base of the tongue.
Occasional genetic defects will be seen in the mouth of the ferret. Supernumerary teeth, or baby teeth which failed to fall out, may be seen and provide extra potential for development of periodontal disease or orthodontic problems. Supernumerary teeth should be removed by a veterinarian at the earliest possible convenience. Brachyngathism (an abnormally shortened jaw) and prognathism (an elongated jaw) are rarely seen in ferret but may predispose to a host of dental problems.
Other diseases of the oral cavity may occasionally be seen such as oral ulcers or oral neoplasia but will not be discussed here.
References:
1.Fox JG. Diseases of the Gastrointestinal System. In Biology and Diseases of the Ferret, 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Williams and Wilkins, 1998.
2. Fischer RG, Edwardsson S, Klinge B, Oral microflora of the ferret at the gingival sulcus and mucosa membrane in relation to ligature-induced periodontitis. Oral Microbiol Immunol 1994 9(1):40-9.
3. Harper DS, Mann PH, Regnier S.J Measurement of dietary and dentifrice effects upon calculus accumulation rates in the domestic ferret. Dent Res 1990 69(2):447-50.
Bruce Williams, January 2002