Evaluation of Dental and Oral Pathologies of 36 Captive Lions (Panthera leo) and Tigers (Panthera tigris)

Abstract

The documented increase in the occurrence of dental diseases in captive big cats over the past decades has necessitated the need to target dental medical research accordingly. The aim of this study was the systematic evaluation of dental and oral pathologies of lions and tigers which included intraoral dental radiography. Thirty-six animals of both sexes, ranging in age from nine months to 18 years, predominantly in circus husbandry, served as the basis of the present study, and their dental health status was investigated. The preliminary report and history, adspection of the awake animal, and examination under anesthesia provided important information. Eight animals were specifically presented for oral examination because of known dental disease. The remaining 28 animals were anesthetized for other medically necessary procedures, and each animal's oral and dental health status was also evaluated while under anesthesia. In the 28 animals that underwent routine oral cavity examination, pathological changes that had not previously been noticed were found in two-thirds of the animals (19/28). One-quarter of all the animals (9/36) had no abnormal oral cavity findings. Dentoalveolar trauma such as tooth fractures and abrasion (24/36) were diagnosed most frequently. The results highlight the importance of regular oral examinations in big cats. Furthermore, the results suggest that there is a relationship between husbandry conditions and the incidence of dentoalveolar trauma in captive big cats.

Minimally traumatic extraction of fractured bilateral maxillary canine teeth using a piezoelectric surgical unit in an African lion (Panthera leo)

“…Large carnivores in sanctuaries or zoos often experience dental damage owing to their habits such as chewing on the steel bars of enclosures or environmental influences [ 1 ]. A recent survey of oral examinations of captive lions and tigers revealed that dentoalveolar trauma, such as tooth fracture and abrasion, was present in 66.7% of the cases [ 2 ].…”

Gingival squamous cell carcinoma in 2 lions under managed care

“…15,22 Dental disease, which is one of the most commonly reported causes of morbidity in captive nondomestic felids, often goes undetected for extended periods of time. 16,20 Dental disease, which is a broad term that typically refers to various lesions of the teeth (e.g., abrasion, tooth fracture, dental calculus), is often associated with other types of oral pathology, such as inflammation of the surrounding soft tissue(s) (e.g., periodontitis, gingivitis). Given the prevalence of chronic inflammatory conditions within the oral cavity of domestic felids, a similar relationship between chronic inflammation and oral neoplasia in other cats has been postulated.…”

“…Systemic evaluation of the oral cavity (including examination awake and under anesthesia, and intraoral dental radiographs) may facilitate early detection of dental disease and SCC. 16…”