A standardized framework for examination of oral lesions in wolf skulls (Carnivora: Canidae: Canis lupus)

Abstract

Oral lesions in wolves (Carnivora: Canidae: Canis lupus) are usually reported in a nonstandardized manner, and often only a few abnormalities are indicated. This approach has likely led to underreporting of oral lesions, thus limiting our ability to interpret wolf health conditions and thus making comparisons across geographical and taxonomic groups difficult. Here, we present a standardized oral exam protocol to examine wolf skulls for their oral lesions. Using this protocol, we analyzed 40 skulls of adult wild Middle East wolves representing 1,680 teeth. Six wolves were Canis lupus arabs, 34 were Canis lupus pallipes. Only 3 skulls showed no oral lesions. We were able to identify a large range of oral lesions and refined subclasses, exceeding the variety of what has been reported on wolf oral lesions so far. No statistical differences were found in the type and number of lesions between the 2 subspecies of wolves. Therefore, the lesions were pooled in subsequent analyses. This standardized protocol should provide a useful framework to assess oral lesions in wolf skulls, facilitating rigorous comparisons across geographic and taxonomic groups.

Dental and skull bone pathologies of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in Lithuania

“…The most common have been changes in the number of teeth (oligodontia and polydontia), shape varieties of the crown or root, and periodontal structure. This problem was raised by authors who adapted a clinical method for the examination of domestic dogs to evaluate teeth pathologies of wild carnivores (Janssens et al 2016).…”

A new look at an old dog: Bonn-Oberkassel reconsidered

“…mutations of MSX1, PAX9, AXIN2 genes) (Nieminen, 2009), trauma (Obersztyn, 1963), bacterial infection (Morningstar, 1937), and toxicological events (such as local environmental arsenic) ( € Ozmeriç, 2002). On the other hand, genetic reasons for hypodontia relate most frequently to P1 and M3 (Andersone and Ozolins, 2000;Dolgov and Rossolimo, 1964;Janssens et al, 2016b;Losey et al, 2014;Vigne, 2011). Additionally, other known genetic mutations involving teeth are found in inbred modern dog breeds.…”

“…While taphonomic processes are theoretically possible sources of alveolar margin pseudopathology, it is clear that very significant periodontal disease was present in the specimen that we evaluated. Such severe periodontal disease in a puppy seems incongruous; it is expected in older dogs and wolves (Albuquerque et al, 2012;Janssens et al, 2016b;Miles and Grigson, 2003;Pavlica et al, 2008;Watson, 1994). It could however be explained by immune deficiency, a disease that can cause aggressive juvenile periodontitis (Bimstein et al, 2005;Nibali, 2015) and canine morbillivirus infection is not unexpected in immune-deficient dogs (Beineke et al, 2009;Deem et al, 2000).…”

“…4). Pathological features were classified following predetermined and reproducible criteria, and results were recorded by means of an established classification adapted for use on dry skulls (Janssens et al, 2016b;Verstraete et al, 1996a;Verstraete et al, 1996b).…”

Dental anomalies and lesions in Eastern Atlantic harbor seals, Phoca vitulina vitulina (Carnivora, Phocidae), from the German North Sea

“…The main functions of teeth are food acquisition and processing, but they also play a role in the social life of various mammal species [ 3 ]. Deviations from the normal number, position, morphology, or structure of teeth can negatively affect body condition, health, survival, and lifetime reproductive success of an individual [ 3 – 6 ].…”