Common dental disorders of the degu (Octodon degus).

Abstract

Dental disease is prevalent in the captive degu (Octodon degus), yet little has been documented on the variety of disorders in this species. In this internet-based study, dental cases presented over a 7-year period were collated, analyzed, and grouped. Of the 137 total cases, the most common dental disorder of the degu was found to be molar malocclusion (42.3 %). Other disorders documented included enamel decoloration (13.1%), molar elodontoma (8.0%), enamel hypoplasia (6.6%), incisor tooth fracture (6.6%), incisor malocclusion (3.6%), oral abscess (2.2%), and impacted molar teeth (0.7%). Details of each condition, pathogenesis, and clinical signs are described. Age was found not to be a significant predictor of dental disease in the degu.