| Further Information |
Note:
- An abscess may be present due to bacterial infection. (P120.2008.w2)
Diagnosis
In Ferrets
- The tooth is usually painful when probed, especially if the probe is
cold. (J29.17.w3)
- If the tooth becomes
dark or the ferret shows discomfort while eating, a root canal or
tooth extraction is needed. (B602.2.w2)
- A transilluminator can be used to check if the tooth is still alive.
(J29.17.w3)
- A healthy tooth should be translucent, while a
necrotic/nonviable tooth will appear dark. (J29.17.w3)
- Radiography.
- An intraoral bisecting angle radiograph is suggested. (B602.34.w34a)
- Useful x-rays include lateral, lateral open mouth, ventrodorsal,
right and left oblique and right and left oblique open mouth. (B631.23.w23)
- Extraction is required if radiography reveals resorption of
tooth roots or alveolar bone. (J213.2.w6)
- Radiographs can show remnants of tooth that have been left behind. (J29.17.w3)
Treatment
Basic dental care is similar to that in cats and dogs. (B631.23.w23)
- No treatment is required if the pulp is not exposed. (J60.11.w1)
- A superficial pulpectomy may be performed if the pulp is exposed but
the fracture is presented straight after the injury and the tooth is alive.
(J29.17.w3,
P120.2008.w2)
- Bur a few millimetres into the pulp. (J29.17.w3,
P120.2008.w2)
- Dry and sterilise, then fill with composite. (J29.17.w3,
P120.2008.w2)
- Note: care must be taken not to over heat the pulp, as
this will eventually cause the tooth to die. (J29.17.w3)
- This procedure can be very difficult due to the small size of the
ferret's teeth. (P120.2008.w2)
- Note: care must be taken, as further damage may be
done. (P120.2008.w2)
- Root canal therapy cab be carried out. (J60.11.w1)
- Tooth extraction is the alternative treatment. (B602.34.w34a,
J60.11.w1)
- Following the procedure, antibiotics should be given and oral
rinsing performed. (J29.17.w3,
P120.2008.w2)
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