Nasolacrimal duct obstruction due to periodontal disease in domestic rabbit, <em>Oryctolagus cuniculus</em> - case report

Abstract

Rabbits are animals with a high prevalence of periodontal diseases, which can be explained by anatomical particularities. The roots of the incisive and premolar teeth of the maxilla are very close to the lacrimal duct, and in addition, these animals have continuous teeth growth which can predispose to compression and obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct, resulting in dacryocystitis and leading to secondary ophthalmic problems. As visualization of the oral cavity is only possible under sedation, dental problems are often underdiagnosed. The present report aims to show the case of a female rabbit which had chronic conjunctivitis with purulent secretion associated with the nasolacrimal duct obstruction, secondary to periodontal disease.

Computed Tomographic Findings Secondary to Dental Pathologies: Comparison between Rabbits and Guinea Pigs

“…In 6/15 (40%) of rabbits with abnormalities of maxillary structures, lesions involving the nasolacrimal duct were observed; on the other hand, in guinea pigs, involvement of this structure was not observed in any cases. Anatomically, in rabbits, the incisors and premolars’ roots are in proximity with the anatomical localization of the nasolacrimal duct, predisposing, in case of pathological elongation of the roots, morphological occlusion of the nasolacrimal duct [ 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 ]. On the other hand, in guinea pigs, no alterations of the nasolacrimal duct related to premolar diseases are described in the literature.…”