Computed tomography findings and severity grading of acquired dental disease in chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera): 100 cases (2007-2023).

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the CT findings and epidemiological features of acquired dental disease in chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera) and propose a grading scheme to classify acquired dental disease in this species. METHODS: Medical records from 5 veterinary hospitals were searched to identify chinchillas that underwent skull CT from 2007 to 2023. Signalment, history, and physical examination findings were recorded. Computed tomographic images were evaluated retrospectively for criteria of dental disease, descriptive analyses were performed, and an overall grade of acquired dental disease was assigned. Descriptive analysis and associations between dental disease and grade were performed. RESULTS: Both fan-beam (n = 94 chinchillas) and cone-beam (6) CT studies were included, with contrast administered in 12 fan-beam CT cases. Common findings included apical elongation of premolar or molar teeth (n = 97) with frequent apical extension into the orbit (58), premolar or molar tooth curvature in transverse (92) and sagittal (77) planes, and sharp dental points (91). Dental resorptive lesions (n = 64), fractures (38), and alveolar expansile lesions (48) were also present. Dental abscesses were infrequently identified (n = 14). Acquired dental disease was classified as none (n = 1), mild (38), moderate (28), or severe (33) and assigned a corresponding grade (1 to 4). CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate that numerous features of dental pathology can be readily evaluated with CT and used to grade dental disease in chinchillas. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: CT evaluation of the skull allows characterization of dental disease in chinchillas that can guide treatment and prognosis. The provided CT grading can help standardize severity and monitor progression.