From:
"Sukie Crandall"
Date: 2008-12-17 15:39:33 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Carnassial extraction?
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
The teeth which are called the carnassial are actually the most distal premolar followed by
the most anterior molar. Premolars have two roots, and molars (if memory serves)
typically in mammals have three with one of those a broader root which may be fused
roots. The more roots there are the more complicated it can sometimes be, but not
always.
Now in humans with periodontal disease the teeth often get loose. If this tooth is doing
that it could possibly make an extraction easier.
Like humans who lose teeth ferrets can get into the habit of eating mostly on one side,
and it sounds like this little one may already be doing that. We had one who survived a
bone infection which the ferret came with, but some teeth on one side were lost from the
mandible. The integrity of the mandible was a worry but it always held and did not need
any metal added to hold it.
Loose of a tooth does over time result in some bone lose underneath because of the
reduced neural feedback. Your vet's x-rays and observations will also look at how strong
the bone is.
If it is the upper (maxillary) then the vet will try to tell from x-rays if the roots go into the
maxillary sinus. I do not know how common that is in ferrets, but it's not very common in
general for mammals, though it is a known variation. I know that in humans (being
someone whose premolars do this) that can lead temporarily to drainage downward if
there is a bad sinus infection (but with roots into a sinus that can happen, too, with the
infection causing a fistula down along the path next to the root. Alternatively, if debris
gets into the sinus that can cause infection, but luckily ferrets are really, really, really
good at sneezing and at nose blowing.
So, I don't know if the vet might want to use systemic antibiotics afterward or use the
local application while the tooth is out.
This week or last new info came out on periodontal disease and heart disease. It was one
of the days when my eye wasn't at it's best during the healing, though, so I did not read
much. Let me see if I can find the press release or the abstract, or both. (There is also
some new work which is too early for your little one but may eventually help others):
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-12/foas-sfl121508.php
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-11/nyph-pog112508.php
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-12/uowo-bbb121508.php
There is also a reverse hypothesis that some diseases which reduce effective circulation,
reduce immune responses, or worsen inflammation may increase the risk for developing
periodontal disease, and there is pretty good evidence that both directions can happen,
from what i have encountered in reading.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19085832
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19026305
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19014036
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19000604
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18923669
--- In ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com, "Kate" <fangsyferret@...> wrote:
>
> My ferret has a problem with his lower right carnassial - it appears
> wonky and points out toward his cheek. This means it builds up tartar.
> It has been cleaned by the vet under anaesthetic previously, but the
> gum did not heal fully and is still red and receeded, indicating
> periodontal disease.
> The ferret is off to the vet on Monday and I think the ferret might
> need that tooth extracted as it obviously won't stay clean and healthy.
>
> Has anyone had a ferret with a carnassial extracted?
> Is it a difficult tooth to pull, since it is such a major tooth?
> How did the ferret cope with eating after the extraction?
>
> Thanks, I just want to know what to expect as I'm a little nervous
> about this.
>
> Kate
>
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