A syndrome of dental abnormalities of sheep. II. The pathology and radiology

Authors: O'Callaghan MW, Bruere AN, Orr MB, West DM
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 27, Issue 12, pp 276-278, Dec 1979
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant, Sheep
Subject Terms: Alimentary system/gastroenterology, Diagnostic procedures, Pathology, Oral/teeth, Disease/defect, Imaging
Article class: Scientific Article

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Abstract: Histological and radiographic examination of 23 ewe heads has revealed that mandibular osteopathy is a feature of the ovine dental abnormality syndrome described by Bruère et al.The bone changes consisted of excessive irregular remodelling of bone with osteoporosis. Developmental faults were also demonstrated. The most dramatic of these were dentigerous cysts involving unerupted permanent incisors, although malpositioning of permanent incisors was also observed.
A histological feature of the excessive incisor wear was chronic pulpitis, perhaps a result of the rate of wear exceeding the rate at which protective secondary dentine could be deposited in the pulp cavity.
A number of nutritional deficiencies are known to cause generalised osteoporosis. Recognition of the osteopathy described here thus supports the clinical evidence of Bruère et al., that a nutritional disorder could be a major factor in the pathogenesis of this syndrome.

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