Dental disease of sheep

Authors: West DM
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 50, Issue 3 Supplement, pp 102-104, Jun 2002
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant, Sheep
Subject Terms: Alimentary system/gastroenterology, Oral/teeth, Disease/defect
Article class: Review Article

---

Abstract: Dental abnormalities of sheep are common and in many parts of the world are the main reason for culling otherwise-healthy breeding ewes before the end of their natural reproductive life, leading to increased flock replacement costs. Excessive incisor-tooth wear and periodontal disease are considered the two most important syndromes affecting sheep`s teeth and their supporting structures; less commonly, problems of occlusion or bite, defective enamel formation, caries, fluorosis, and odontogenic cysts also occur (West and Spence 2000). Excessive wear of incisor teeth is common in grazing sheep flocks in New Zealand and Australia. In some districts, the incisor teeth are worn down to gum level before 3-4 years of age (Bruere et al 1979; Orr et al 1979; Kane 1984; Orr et al 1986). This rapid wear of permanent incisors is also reflected in premature wear of the temporary incisors of young sheep on the same property (Thurley 1984, 1985ab). Despite a considerable amount of research, the precise aetiology of incisor-tooth wear has not been elucidated.

---