Clinicial-pathologic correlations of non-trauma related Odontodysplasia in 28 dogs: 2013-2023.

Odontodysplasia is an uncommon dental developmental disorder associated with enamel, dentin, pulp abnormalities, and overall tooth morphology. The affected tooth is grossly abnormal in size and contour and is commonly associated with swelling of the affected area and failure of eruption. Histologically, the enamel and dentin are hypoplastic and hypomineralized. Odontodyplasia occurs most commonly in response to direct trauma to the developing tooth bud (enamel organ and dental follicle). Data on the prevalence and features of non-traumatic odontodysplasia are lacking. Medical records of dogs diagnosed with odontodysplasia were reviewed at the William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH), University of California, Davis, for 10 years (from 2013 to 2023). Dogs with a known history of facial trauma, persistent deciduous tooth or teeth over the region of odontodysplastic tooth or teeth, and endodontic disease of the persistent deciduous tooth or teeth were excluded from the study. Twenty-eight dogs were included in this retrospective study, representing an incidence of 1.4 per 100 dogs presenting over 10 years. Regional odontodysplasia (RO) was identified in twenty-two dogs, and generalized odontodysplasia (GO) was found in six dogs. Both comprehensive oral examination and diagnostic imaging were essential in diagnosing and assessing the presence of odontodysplasia. Awake oral examination failed to identify odontodysplasia in almost 70% of the RO cases. Secondary diseases or lesions in odontodysplastic teeth, such as periodontal disease, endodontal disease, and perio-endo lesions, were commonly seen and were particularly more frequently identified in strategic teeth (canine and carnassial teeth) than non-strategic ones. Similarities, such as female predilection, maxilla more commonly affected, and clinical signs, were observed between RO in dogs and those reported in people. The exact etiology of non-traumatic odontodysplasia remains elusive, and the condition may be of multifactorial causality.

Case report: Management of generalized infection and draining tracts of the frontomaxillary region in a dog.

Objective: This study aims to report the surgical and medical management of generalized chronic maxillofacial infection with multiple intra- and extraoral draining tracts in a dog. Case summary: A 6 years-old, male neutered pit bull terrier dog underwent a staged procedure. First, a diagnostic work-up including hematologic and biochemical analysis, conventional computed tomography (CT) with contrast of the skull, and a rhinoscopic evaluation of the draining tracts was performed. Samples were obtained for histopathological, microbial, and fungal testing. Second, a 4 week course of antimicrobials based on culture and sensitivity results was administered. Third, an extraoral approach to soft tissue reconstruction was accomplished as a first stage in the repair process. Finally, an intraoral approach to repair the oronasal fistulous draining tracts was performed. A 6 months follow-up skull CT revealed various stages of repair and remodeling and adequate soft tissue healing. Clinical relevance: A staged procedure is a suitable option to treat chronic and generalized frontal and maxillary infection with multiple intra- and extraoral fistulous draining tracts in dogs.

Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology of the Steller Sea Lion (Eumetopias jubatus).

Skulls from 112 Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) were examined according to predefined criteria. Of the specimens, 73 (65.2%) were from males, 29 (25.9%) from females and 10 (8.9%) were of unknown sex, with 50 adults (44.6%), 61 young adults (54.5%) and one of unknown age (0.9%). The number of teeth evaluated was 3,521. Adults had more acquired tooth loss than young adults (P <0.0001). A total of 1,660 teeth (47.1%) from 111 specimens (99.1%) had evidence of attrition or abrasion. Adults displayed more attrition or abrasion than young adults (P <0.0001). A total of 241 teeth (6.8%) from 47 specimens (42%) had tooth fractures. Adults had more fractured teeth than young adults (P <0.0001). Bony changes consistent with periodontitis affected 36.7% of teeth. Adults had more teeth affected by periodontitis than young adults (P <0.0001). Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis lesions were found in 54 specimens (48.2%) with more in adults than in young adults (P <0.0001). Although the significance of our findings is unknown, the occurrence and severity of these lesions may play an important role in the morbidity and mortality of Steller sea lions.

Biomechanical evaluation of locking versus nonlocking 2.0-mm malleable L-miniplate fixation of simulated caudal mandibular fractures in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the biomechanical properties of the mandibles of cats with experimentally created osteotomies simulating oblique ramus fractures, which were stabilized with malleable L-miniplates with either locking screws [locking construct (LC)] or nonlocking screws [nonlocking construct (NLC)], compared with those for intact mandibles. SAMPLES: 20 mandibles from 10 adult cat cadavers. PROCEDURES: A block study design was adopted to allocate the mandibles of each cadaver to 2 of the 3 test groups (LC, NLC, or intact mandible). Mandibles within each cadaver were allocated systematically to a test group. For mandibles assigned to an LC and an NLC, a complete oblique osteotomy was performed from the mid rostral aspect of the ramus in a caudoventral direction. All mandibles were loaded in a single-load-to-failure test through cantilever bending. Load and actuator displacement were recorded simultaneously. Mode of failure and radiographic evidence of damage to tooth roots and the mandibular canal were evaluated. Biomechanical properties were compared among the groups. RESULTS: No iatrogenic tooth root damage was evident, but all mandibles with an LC and an NLC had evidence of screw invasion into the mandibular canal. Plated mandibles had significantly less stiffness and bending moment than intact mandibles. Stiffness was not significantly different between the LC and the NLC; the NLC had a greater bending moment at failure than the LC. The pre-yield stiffness of plated mandibles decreased when the number of screw holes overlapping the mandibular canal increased. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of a malleable L-miniplate in a caudal mandibular fracture model is feasible. Both the LC and the NLC were inferior mechanically to intact mandibles. Type of construct used did not affect the construct stiffness significantly in tested mandibles.

Oral health of foreign domestic workers: exploring the social determinants.

Foreign domestic helpers constitute a significant proportion of migrant workers worldwide. This population subgroup provides an opportunity for understanding social determinants of oral health in immigrant community. A random sample of 122 Indonesian domestic helpers in Hong Kong completed a questionnaire on their demographic background, social characteristics (competency in local languages, immigration history, living condition, social connections, and leisure activities) and oral health behaviours (knowledge, attitudes, practice and self-efficacy). Their tooth status and periodontal health were assessed. Participants tended to start flossing after settling in Hong Kong. Favourable oral health knowledge was found in more acculturated participants, as indicated by proficiency in local languages and immigration history. Engagement in social and/or religious activities and decent living condition provided by employers were associated with favourable oral health behaviours and/or better oral health. Social determinants explained 13.2 % of variance in caries severity. Our findings support the significant impact of social circumstances on oral health of domestic workers.