Restraint and Handling

Fowler, Murray E.; Bravo, P. Walter

doi:10.1002/9781118785706.ch3

Cited by 15 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…In our opinion, differences lower than 1 mm will be difficult to perceive given we should take some observer or measurement bias into account. Also, not all animals will be easy to handle and will complicate successful measuring since alpacas are known to perceive stress when touching the head ( 12 ). Measurements of mandibular arcade thickness should be reserved for animals used to being handled or in which sufficient immobilization of the head can be guaranteed.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…To allow efficient and reliable detection of oral and dental disorders, these oral examinations should only be performed in deeply sedated animals. Attempts to perform these examinations in unsedated animals will invariably lead to defensive behavior and extensive tongue movements ( 12 ). This will complicate oral examinations providing unreliable results and might even lead to dangerous situations for both animal and bystanders.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Mandibular Thickness Measurements as Predictive Tool for Specific Dental Disorders in Alpacas (Vicugna Pacos)

2022

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BackgroundOral health in alpacas is often neglected until severe dental disease becomes evident under the form of a pronounced mandibular swelling with or without fistulation. Mandibular thickness measurements might serve as an easy tool to screen for early increases in thickness thereby identifying alpacas which could benefit from an oral examination.ObjectiveTo study specific risk factors, including age, gender, level of performed measurements and dental disorders, associated with mandibular thickness in alpacas. To determine suitable cutoff values for mandibular thickness at specific locations for the development of a diagnostic test to identify animals with dental disorders.Study designCross-sectional study.MethodsMandibular thickness was measured at standardized locations in 216 alpacas using a Vernier caliper. Risk factors for an increased mandibular thickness were collected through oral examination in sedated animals and by interview of the respective owner. A multivariable linear mixed model was built to identify factors associated with mandibular thickness. Cutoff values for specific dental disorders were obtained after receiver operating characteristics (ROC)-curve analysis.ResultsMandibular thickness was 0.43 ± Standard Error 0.21 mm [95% Confidence interval (CI) = 0.02-0.84 mm] higher at locations where interproximal gum recession was present (P = 0.039). Severe dental disease caused an increase in thickness of 1.90 mm (95% CI= 1.29-2.51 mm) (P < 0.001). Mandibular thickness with a cutoff of 19.4 mm showed a high accuracy for predicting severe dental disease (Se = 0.41; Sp = 0.92). Specifically, thickness at a level perpendicular to the medial canthus of the eye proved a more precise predictor for severe dental disease (AUC, 0.85; 95% CI 0.74-0.96; P < 0.001) with a lower cutoff of 18.5 mm and Sn and Sp of 0.52 and 0.82, respectively.Main limitationsNo radiographic or computed tomographic studies were available to support the diagnosis of dental and/or apical disease.ConclusionMandibular thickness measurements in alpacas can aid early detection of animals in need of specialized dental care. Most animals with an increased mandibular thickness suffer from advanced dental disease. However, routine dental examinations remain necessary to allow the early detection of dental disorders in alpacas.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%