The First Clinical Report of Epiphora Due to Root Elongation and Malocclusion of a Rabbit in Iran
World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress Proceedings, 2004
Mosallanezhad B., Rostami A., Veshkini A.
Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

In June 2003, 2/5 years old Rabbit with signs of Epiphora, pain, anorexia, disability for grooming and digestive disorder was referred to Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Tehran.

No improvement was observed two weeks after treatment with Gentamicine and Glucocorticoides (Ophthalmic drops). In the clinical examination with Flourcein sheet, nasolacrimal duct was closed because Flourcein green drops didn't go out of the nose. The skull radiograph revealed abnormal Curved root elongation of incisors. According to classification of acquired dental diseases in rabbits (5 grades), grade two was diagnosed in this case. The root of abnormal teeth started to penetrate the skull bones and caused dental abscess. The root of incisor teeth were elongated and pressed on nasolacrimal duct which caused Epiphora due to blockage of the duct. Changes in the structure and hardness of the cheek teeth had led to uneven wear. The line of the incisive bone was interrupted. The cortex of the mandibular bone was thinned at the ventral aspect of the bone and elongated and curved roots of the upper incisor teeth which had penetrated the cortex were evident on the radiograph. Also the crown of the lower incisors were diverted towards the lips. The crowns of the cheek teeth had lost their zigzag occlusal pattern. The lamina dura space, alveolar bone radiopacity and tooth enamel were decreased.

In ophthalmoscopic examination of the eyes no abnormality was seen in the dark room.

Although removal of incisor teeth is necessary for treatment, but it needs special attention. The Rabbit was treated with antibiotics (Cephalexin + calcium) for prevention of dental abscess. Improvement of food ration (using of fibers and hard foods for example barley) was also advised.

As treatment of this problem is very difficult and expensive, special consideration must be paid to prevention and control of the disease.

Speaker Information
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B. Mosallanezhad
Department of Clinical Sciences
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran
Tehran, Iran


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