Prairie Dog Lover's Burrow
Midwest Prairie Dog Shelter - Outreach * Rescue * Advocacy
Odontoma
updated February 15, 2007
PLEASE seek the advice of a licensed Veterinarian about your prairie dog's health!!
All photos and opinions are copyrighted and provided as a courtesy and for educational purposes.
[image magnified]
What is Odontoma?
From what I have learned through the prairie dogs that I have shared my life with, other prairie dog pet owners, Vets that care for prairie dogs, and a few dental specialists, Odontoma is a benign odontogenic neoplasm that generally forms at the root of a tooth. It has been diagnosed in humans and other mammals, including prairie dogs. The general consensus is that it occurs following trauma to teeth, but is also believed to be genetic in some cases. The rate of progression varies among prairie dogs, but generally, symptoms begin to appear approximately two years from the date of injury. Since prairie dogs have continuously growing teeth, trauma puts them in a high risk category for odontomas. If tooth trauma occurs, the swelling of any surrounding soft tissue may inhibit the normal growth of the teeth and contribute to the formation of an odontoma. The tooth or teeth continue to grow, despite the injury, and begins to form a mass of hard bony appendage that over time grows up into the sinus cavity and eventually becomes part of the skull. One of the first signs of odontoma is the disappearance of an incisor or two shortly after a tooth trauma. A tooth or both teeth may appear to be growing backwards and look shorter than usual.
Odontoma is different than a malocclusion. It is important that Veterinarians and pet owners become familiar with this afflliction because it is common with prairie dogs (and other rodents), and is often misdiagnosed because the first symptoms of Odontoma are usually a secondary infection in the sinuses. Most Odontoma cases can be linked to tooth trauma from plucking cage wires or a fall. When a prairie dog falls, they land on their face. Although they are great at climbing, they have no depth perception. During movement of wild prairie dogs, especially if a grain vacuum is used to extract prairie dogs from their burrows at such a very high rate of speed, permanent damage to their teeth and other bones occur if they survive at all.
Some of the clinical symptoms of Odontoma are not obvious early on, and in many cases, symptoms are not recognized until the Odontoma has reached later stages. A baseline digital radiograph of the sinus area is suggested with either the first Vet appointment or during spay/neuter surgery, because it offers a comparison should symptoms appear later on. The use of digital radiography allows for magnification to view the small areas in the skull of a prairie dog. The initial symptoms are usually a loss of appetite and a 'stuffy' nose, and it is common to observe frantic rubbing of the nose as though they're trying to remove a foreign object. Since prairie dogs are nose breathers, this affliction forces them to learn to breathe with an open mouth. They are forced to learn to eat and drink unnaturally, and become distressed because it is a difficult adjustment for them. They often gasp and cough while eating or drinking, which can result in further discomfort from gastritis and bloating due to taking in excess air. Further complicating matters, missing or broken teeth will prohibit the prairie dog's ability to snip the hay that is necessary for the proper digestion that only occurs with a diet inclusive of long fiber. A proper diet is critical to the health and well-being of prairie dogs. GI stasis may result as a consequence of the lack of long fiber necessary for pushing food through their digestive track, and can be uncomfortable and often very painful. Fresh grass or wet strands of hay may be helpful in their diet and will help prevent GI upset on a short-term basis, but over time, will take a toll and cause the death of a prairie dog.
Pete [advanced Odontoma]
They may begin to isolate and withdraw, and do not understand what is happening to them. They want to retreat. Upon physical examination, the incisors may appear short, missing, crooked or broken, and if the teeth are abnormal and nasal symptoms are present, it may be an indication of Odontoma. With stress, exertion or excitability you may hear a 'honking' noise as they gasp for air, which resembles the sound of "croup" in human children. Their lack of appetite eventually begins to affect their weight. They must be syringe fed a nutritious blend of fiber, calories and liquid in order to sustain them. As the affliction advances, so does the nasal passage swelling. Commonly, one side of the nose will be congested and/or runny. You may observe either a total lack of interest in socializing, or an incessant need to be held. As the Odontoma progresses, the symptoms become more obvious and the prairie dog begins to literally suffocate because of the blocked airway.
Diagnosis:
The first step is to find a Veterinarian that is experienced and knowledgeable about Odontoma and prairie dogs. It is my wish that everyone who needs a caring, compassionate Vet for their pet prairie dog will find one, but as most of us know, they are few and far between. The FDA and CDC ban has singled out prairie dogs as the only native mammal still banned from any movement within our borders because of an erradicated disease (MPV) brought to the United States several years ago by imported rodents - adding insult to injury. Fortunate are those of us who have found a caring Veterinarian. There are several wonderful Vets known across the U.S. (and beyond) who truly care about and are willing to help prairie dogs in need of medical care. Ideally, your Vet will ask you key questions, knowing that no one knows your pet like you do, and will want to learn more from you, and share information with other Vets. There are teaching hospitals throughout the United States that are available for consultations with other Veterinarians that would like to learn more about Odontoma. There are only a limited number of specialized dental Veterinarians and animal hospitals. Ideally, a CT scan or MRI are the best means of diagnosis, but due to the cost of such diagnostic testing, a digital radiograph is the preferred method of diagnosis. Isoflurane for anesthesia is the preferred method of sedation for prairie dogs for x-rays or other office procedures because it is smooth and easy to control. Once a diagnosis is rendered, your Vet will discuss the options that are available to you and your pet, along with the medical, emotional and financial planning that will be necessary.
What causes Odontoma?
There are many theories on the cause of Odontoma. Many prairie dog pet owners and Veterinarians have shared "theories" regarding the origination of Odontoma, but there is only one commonality: tooth trauma. Nothing written here is scientific fact, but rather a collective effort to share information to those, who like the rest of us, want to learn more.
Preventing tooth trauma is probably the best means of preventing odontoma in prairie dogs. Should tooth trauma occur, digital radiography should be done immediately and then in a month or two. Any changes can be easily noted with magnification. Early extraction of the injured tooth/teeth is the ONLY method known to prevent odontoma.
Any time a prairie dog falls, has their teeth clipped, or repeatedly bites on a hard surface, their risk of the development of odontoma increases. In captivity, falls and biting cage wire are the leading cause of tooth trauma. Even though prairie dogs are great climbers, they have little or no depth perception and were designed to live on a flat prairie and travel in dirt tunnels. In their natural setting, trauma may occur as a prairie dog dives head first into a deep burrow to escape a predator and land on their face. To date, there is very little evidence that prairie dogs in the wild suffer from Odontoma (because they are known to dig down deep underground when they know that death is imminent), and skulls that have been found are generally found above ground. I believe that this affliction may also occur in their natural environment as well. It is my hope that one day biologists, dental experts and scientists will take a closer look at the cause of death in wild prairie dogs. If skeletal remains found in abandoned or deserted prairie dog towns, and well into the depths of the burrows, could be closely examined and reported, we all might better understand this affliction and help all who suffer with Odontoma. Prairie dog lovers around the world want to see an end to Odontoma.
Below is a enlarged view of Fancy Girl's Odontoma growth.
Continuously erupting (elodont) teeth, as in the case of prairie dog incisors, appear to be a relevant factor in Odontoma. Any healthy teeth in close proximity of the odontoma develop indentations or ridges from the impressions of the odontoma mass [see photo below of a trimmed, healthy tooth in close proximity of an odontoma]. The healthy tooth must be trimmed accordingly. Amazingly, this particular Odontoma [above] had not yet affected Fancy Girl's normal breathing capacity.
Is there a cure for Odontoma?
It is difficult enough to hear those dreaded words "your pet has Odontoma", but it is far worse to learn that there are very few options available, and that each option is painful for our beloved pets, and for us as well. With this horrible affliction, the prognosis is guarded and the pet owner is left to make a very difficult decision that they will have to live with. Some choose to go to great lengths and aggressively do whatever is medically possible to keep their loved ones around, no matter what the emotional, financial or physical cost. Others choose to keep their pet comfortable with supplements such as antibiotics, oxygen, oxygen, anti-inflammatory drugs and/or steroids and continue with that regimen as long as quality of life exists. Eventually, a paintstaking decision must be made to have their pet put to rest in a humane manner, with the assistance of a compassionate Veterinarian. Choosing to do nothing is not recommended.
Extraction of Odontoma is an option, but only if performed early on. Extraction is very invasive and very painful for the prairie dog, but as the odontoma becomes part of the skull, the removal of such a large mass is not possible without shearing the tooth during extraction. In humans, extraction of an odontoma is not as difficult for two reasons: the spacing involved is larger, and the teeth do not continously grow. The limited space and minute body parts make this a very invasive procedure on a prairie dog. If it is performed early enough, it can be successful, and months can be added to their life, but with a specialized diet and regular dental checks. Specialized diet, as mentioned earlier, is imperative and requires creative means of assisting the prairie dog with long fiber intake to prevent GI stasis.
An option in later stages of Odontoma is a Tracheostomy Surgical Procedure. This procedure has been around for years, and is also very painful, where an air "bypass" or better known as a "blow hole" or "shunt" is surgically placed in the sinus cavity. This procedure requires a serious commitment in the weekly care and cleaning of the area, and has been known to provide a year or more of life to the animal. This procedure requires intensive care and specialized dietary needs for the remainder of your pet's life. On the up side, if these procedures are successful, the prairie dog may gain an additional year of life; and on a rare occasion, a few additional years, as long as the specialized required diet is maintained.
Alternative methods of alleviating some of the discomfort associated with the disease are popular among prairie dog pet owners. These supplements are not a cure, but rather an option for those who are opposed to invasive surgery. The administration of supplements may ease symptoms until quality of life begins to deteriorate. The use of steroids once or twice a week, such as oral Prednilisone, is helpful in minimizing the inflammation of tissue around the odontoma. Some pet owners have found that injectable, long-acting steroids may prove to be beneficial in allowing easier breathing for their prairie dog. An oxygen (tent) for breathing treatments at home can bring added relief. Some Vets have prescribed nebulized Albuterol to bring some relief to a swollen bronchial passage. Antibiotics may be administered for secondary (respiratory) infections that are often associated with the inflammed nasal passage. Any time *antibiotics are used, it is critical that the prairie dog is kept hydrated and that the flora in the intestinal tract is maintained. Some believe that a pinch of Coral Calcium (minerals from the ocean floor of Okinawa) sprinkled on food may aid in slowing the progress of Odontoma. Talk to your Vet about these supplements and be sure to seek Veterinarian advice on maintaining a healthy digestive system while taking antibiotics.
Anti-inflammatory drugs such as Metacam and Duralactin, or steroidal drugs may help to reduce the swelling of the tissue that is irritated by the growing mass, but does nothing to stop the growth of Odontoma and may produce gastrointestinal upset. Occasionally, an antihistamine such as Children's Benadryl may be prescribed for nasal discharge and is safe for prairie dogs, however, getting it into them may be a battle. Most PDs do not like the taste or smell, and it's very difficult to mask in foods. Some Vets may send you to a formulary for a special "flavor" mix for your pet, but most now have the flavors available. However, you may come a point where you decide that enough is enough. Once the quality of life is considerably diminished, the pet owner will hopefully spare the prairie dog the intense pain from this terminal disease and opt for a humane ending.. euthanasia. Making no decision at all in my opinion, is not an option at all.
It's best to adopt an educated approach to this affliction because of the possibility that you may have to face a diagnosis with your beloved pet one day. Knowing in advance about the symptoms, treatment, and prognosis will aid in the preparation of, and aid in the decision making process without the intense emotion and sense of urgency that overwhelms a PD pet owner when confronted with a diagnosis of Odontoma. Most pet owners that have gone through with the surgeries agree that the treatments and surgeries available merely prolong their life for a little while, and if they do survive the surgery, the quality of life never returns to the way it was before Odontoma. Remember, there may not be a CURE.. but I believe that early detection and prevention of tooth trauma may be a big part of the solution. In summation, whether we choose to fight with all of our being to keep our precious family members with us longer, or we choose to simply make them comfortable until the quality of life diminishes; the prognosis is the same. Ultimately, the decision we make regarding this affliction must be one that we can live with. Don't forget to say your prayer-ee dog prayers!
