This is an interesting article about a squirrel with malocclusion. Over the years we have captured prairie dogs with similar problems. Sometimes a simple clipping of the teeth sets them to right. Other times the malocclusion cannot be rectified and the animal cannot be released. In these cases the prairie dog and the person fostering it face a decision of removing the incisors or a lifetime of trimming. Jim T previously and is currently fostering such a prairie dog.
Here’s the original note that appeared on our Facebook page: Congrats to Mikey! As he was processing in today, doing the 2/4/20 (2 eyes, 4 teeth, 20 toes) he noted that the PD had ram’s horn teeth. The disorder is usually caused by dislocation of the teeth preventing them from meeting and keeping the upper and lower incisors in check. In this particular case the PD had been born without lower teeth, or had lost them at some point in its life. Eventually they would have grown through roof of the mouth and caused death by starvation or infection. YB and C Rex, trimmed the teeth but without lower teeth to keep the uppers in check, it is likely this this PD will not be released. While I don’t have a picture the upper teeth were about 1″ long and curved back into the mouth. The fact that this PD did not starve indicates that he was able to get enough nutrition using his molars.
It is reassuring that the treatment seems to work well for prairie dogs as well. Read More: Treatment of malocclusion in squirrel
