Rabbit and Rodent Dentistry

Exotic companion mammals (ECM) are frequently underdiagnosed when it comes to dental disease, often due to gaps in husbandry and dietary knowledge. This session provides an overview of dental anatomy, physiology, and common conditions in species such as rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rats, and mice. Participants will review techniques for oral examination in both awake and anesthetized patients, along with diagnostic approaches, instrumentation, anesthesia considerations, and treatment options. Emphasis will be placed on prevention, client education, and species-specific care to improve long-term outcomes.

• 1. Define key terminology associated with rabbit and rodent dental anatomy (e.g., elodont, brachyodont, aradicular, anisognathous, hypsodont) to accurately communicate findings and support clinical decision-making.
• 2. Differentiate the dental formulas and growth patterns of lagomorphs, caviomorph rodents (guinea pigs, chinchillas), and murine rodents (rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils), including which teeth are continuously growing (elodont) versus rooted (brachyodont).
• 3. Recognize common clinical signs and husbandry-related risk factors for dental disease in rabbits and rodents, and describe the technician's role in obtaining a thorough history and assisting with the conscious oral exam.
• 4. Describe the technician's role in diagnostic imaging and anesthetized examination, including standard radiographic views and key findings used to evaluate cheek teeth elongation, apical disease, and alveolar bone quality.
• 5. Identify common dental diseases in rabbits and rodents (e.g., malocclusion, cheek teeth elongation, tooth root abscess, periodontal disease) and the technician's role in supporting treatment, home care, and dietary prevention strategies.