Exotic Pets
Odontoma
Squirrel Illness & Disease
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Odontoma is believed to result from early trauma to teeth from chewing on cage wiring or other hard surfaces, improper teeth clipping, or injury to the teeth from a fall. There is also some evidence of potential a genetic origin in some species. Since squirrels and prairie dogs have continuously growing teeth, any facial trauma puts them at high risk for odontomas, which may not surface until years after the initial injury.
Preventing tooth trauma in the first place is the best way to prevent an odontoma. Should tooth trauma occur, an x-ray should be done immediately, with follow-up procedures done intermittently to catch changes at the tooth’s root. If an odontoma is suspected, early extraction of the injured tooth/teeth must be performed to stop the tumor’s progression. An unchecked odontoma will kill your pet.
An odontoma in essence is a mass of hard bony growth that forms around the tooth root, inhibits proper tooth grown and blocks the sinus cavity inhibiting the squirrel’s ability to breathe through its nose. Generally, squirrels are very poor mouth breathers and the blockage causes them severe respiratory distress. Odontomas can grow quite large, becoming part of the skull, making them very difficult and traumatic on the squirrel to remove unless diagnosed early.
The first symptoms of odontoma are usually a secondary infection in the sinuses. If a squirrel appears to have a runny nose or symptoms of a ‘cold’ and the upper teeth are short, blunted or have the appearance of growing backwards, Odontoma should be considered. An x-ray of the skull will confirm the diagnosis. Since the condition affects the squirrel’s ability to breathe and eat normally, the squirrel will inevitably start eating less and losing weight. It is not uncommon for the squirrel to begin to show signs of GI upset.
Some experts recommend that your veterinarian take a baseline x-ray of the squirrel’s skull during the first health visit for subsequent comparisons throughout your pet’s life to assist in catching signs of a growing tumor early when they are most treatable. Obviously, having access to a veterinarian with experience and knowledge about exotic pet squirrels and prairie dogs will increase the odds of catching the disease early. Generally, by the time the squirrel or prairie dog are showing symptoms, the odontoma is fairly advanced.
Preventing tooth trauma in the first place is the best way to prevent an odontoma. Should tooth trauma occur, an x-ray should be done immediately, with follow-up procedures done intermittently to catch changes at the tooth’s root. If an odontoma is suspected, early extraction of the injured tooth/teeth must be performed to stop the tumor’s progression. An unchecked odontoma will kill your pet.
An odontoma in essence is a mass of hard bony growth that forms around the tooth root, inhibits proper tooth grown and blocks the sinus cavity inhibiting the squirrel’s ability to breathe through its nose. Generally, squirrels are very poor mouth breathers and the blockage causes them severe respiratory distress. Odontomas can grow quite large, becoming part of the skull, making them very difficult and traumatic on the squirrel to remove unless diagnosed early.
The first symptoms of odontoma are usually a secondary infection in the sinuses. If a squirrel appears to have a runny nose or symptoms of a ‘cold’ and the upper teeth are short, blunted or have the appearance of growing backwards, Odontoma should be considered. An x-ray of the skull will confirm the diagnosis. Since the condition affects the squirrel’s ability to breathe and eat normally, the squirrel will inevitably start eating less and losing weight. It is not uncommon for the squirrel to begin to show signs of GI upset.
Some experts recommend that your veterinarian take a baseline x-ray of the squirrel’s skull during the first health visit for subsequent comparisons throughout your pet’s life to assist in catching signs of a growing tumor early when they are most treatable. Obviously, having access to a veterinarian with experience and knowledge about exotic pet squirrels and prairie dogs will increase the odds of catching the disease early. Generally, by the time the squirrel or prairie dog are showing symptoms, the odontoma is fairly advanced.
Once an Odontoma is present, there are no non-invasive options for the care and treatment of your beloved pet. Generally, you may opt for surgery in less advanced cases or provide good supportive care and medications to keep your pet comfortable for as long as possible until its quality of life diminishes to the point that humane euthanasia is warranted. A sick squirrel can be syringe fed pureed foods, or Oxbow Critical Care™ (from your vet) to ensure they are getting the liquids and nutrients they need.
For more information on the disease, treatment protocols and options, please review with your veterinarian the information provided by the The Prarie Dog Lover’s Borrow (link above) has provide this to ensure the best treatment plan for your pet.
For more information on the disease, treatment protocols and options, please review with your veterinarian the information provided by the The Prarie Dog Lover’s Borrow (link above) has provide this to ensure the best treatment plan for your pet.
In loving memory of 'Baby Squirrel'
August 2, 2003 - October 25, 2009
August 2, 2003 - October 25, 2009