Oronasal fistula repair using auricular cartilage.

Seven oronasal fistula lesions secondary to extraction of maxillary canine teeth were treated in 5 dogs using a cartilage graft harvested from the ipsilateral auricular pinna. All dogs had undergone previous, unsuccessful surgeries in attempt to repair the defects. The technique is described in a step-by-step fashion for easy reproduction. The authors found the technique to be straightforward, relatively quick, and successful in all 7 lesions.

Oral disorders of exotic rodents.

Our dental knowledge of rodents is still patchy but their increasing popularity and advances in technology allow us to make good strides toward better understanding. Cutting incisors with nail clippers and treating incisor problems without examining cheek teeth is no longer acceptable. Good practice dictates that a thorough examination is performed, a diagnosis is made, and treatment is planned and executed appropriately. Dentistry is expanding at a tremendous rate; the next few years should provide plenty of opportunities to solve most of the remaining problems with dental disease in rodents.

Malocclusions in guinea pigs, chinchillas and rabbits.

The types of malocclusions encountered in rodents and lagomorphs are classified. Diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis are reviewed. Some malocclusions are curable, whereas others can only be controlled. The need to perform a complete oral examination and to find a cause for the condition is stressed, as it will seriously affect the prognosis.