Computed tomographic and radiographic examination of dental structures in South American camelid specimen of different ages

Abstract

BackgroundTooth root problems and periodontal diseases are common in South American camelids (SAC). The objective was to evaluate and optimize the imaging technique for dental radiography in SAC and to describe the radiographic and computed tomographic (CT) anatomy of normal teeth at different ages. In this study, the heads of 20 healthy SAC slaughtered for meat production or euthanized for reasons not related to dental problems included 7 female and 10 male llamas and 3 male alpacas. Using a standardized protocol, radiographs and CT scans of the 20 specimen were performed.ResultsThe most useful radiographic projections for mandibular and maxillary cheek teeth evaluation turned out to be lateral30°ventral - laterodorsal and lateral30°dorsal - lateroventral with slight separation of the dental arcades respectively. Digital radiographic and CT appearance of the mandibular and maxillary teeth were described from the beginning of mineralization till maturity. In addition the normal range of the CT radio density of different cheek teeth and different dental tissues were measured. Hounsfield units of different dental tissues of SAC turned out to be similar to equids.Deviation, shortening and partial destruction of the distal tooth root of mandibular 09′s and 10′s and of maxillary 09′s was observed and the existence of a common pulp chamber in younger teeth was revealed.ConclusionsThe present study provides information about the dental imaging morphology in clinically healthy SAC. This basic information provides fundamental knowledge for evaluating images and planning treatments in clinically affected animals.

Pain management of a mandibular fracture in an alpaca (Vicugna pacos) via epidural catheter placement in the mandibular foramen

“…The placement of the mandibular catheter was performed under CT guidance, as CT images are superior to radiographs for the examination of the skull and dental structures in camelids 28. This superiority is attributed to better resolution, lack of common radiographic artefacts, and the possibility of multidimensional image processing and reconstruction that CT offers.…”

Dental disease in alpacas. Part 1: Prevalence of dental disorders and their mutual relationships

“…Dental disease is commonly reported as a troublesome health concern in New World Camelids 1‐4 . The hypsodont dentition in alpacas ( Vicugna pacos ) shows most similarities with the dentition seen in ruminants, but also bears strong resemblance to equid dentition.…”

“…Dental disease is commonly reported as a troublesome health concern in New World Camelids. [1][2][3][4] The hypsodont dentition in alpacas (Vicugna pacos) shows most similarities with the dentition seen in ruminants, but also bears strong resemblance to equid dentition. Dental disorders such as tooth root abscesses, periodontal disease (PD), malocclusions, tooth fractures, uneven teeth, overgrown teeth, worn teeth, and retained deciduous teeth have been described in this species.…”

Clinical insights into the three-dimensional anatomy of cheek teeth in alpacas based on micro-computed tomography. Part 1: mandibular cheek teeth

“…To date, general knowledge regarding cheek tooth anatomy in this species is limited [ 11 ]. Historically, it was stated that mesial and distal pulp horns of cheek teeth in alpacas do not communicate [ 3 , 12 ].…”

“…Historically, it was stated that mesial and distal pulp horns of cheek teeth in alpacas do not communicate [ 3 , 12 ]. Recent research using computed tomography (CT) has demonstrated the presence of common pulp chambers in younger cheek teeth in New World Camelids [ 11 ]. Similar findings have also been reported in other hypsodont species [ 8 , 13 ].…”