Abstract

Nodular hard palate lesions of dental origin were identified in five black-tailed prairie dogs presenting with upper respiratory distress. The five animals (three males, two females) were privately owned, originating from different breeders, and were 2.5 to 6 years old. All animals had a history of dental trauma, chewing hard materials such as metal or plastic cages, rocks, or toys. The primary clinical symptoms were dyspnea, stridor, partial or complete obstruction of nasal air flow, and occasional nasal discharge and open-mouth breathing. Normal serum chemistry profiles and complete blood counts with differentials were found in three of the five animals tested; the other two animals had no consistent abnormalities. The nodular hard palate lesions were unilateral or bilateral and were characterized pathologically as complex odontomas with obstruction of nasal airways. It is suspected that these odontogenic tumors developed as a reaction to mechanical tooth trauma.