The effect of gastro-intestinal parasitism on the temporary dentition of lambs

Authors: Crosbie SF, Mason P, Orr MB
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 33, Issue 4, pp 48-52, Apr 1985
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant, Sheep
Subject Terms: Alimentary system/gastroenterology, Nematode, Oral/teeth, Parasites - internal, Disease/defect
Article class: Scientific Article

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Abstract: The temporary dentitions of 18 to 39-week-old lambs with a very light or a very heavy parasite burden are compared. The heavily parasitised lambs developed longer temporary incisors which tended to protrude further forward in relation to the upper dental pad. They showed absolute hypocalcaemia and hypoalbuminaemia and relative hypophosphataemia and hypoproteinaemia and in the alveolar bone of the mandible there was a reduction in ash and matrix densities and matrix mineralisation. The incisor protrusion and lengthening may have been a consequence of the loss of supporting bone, but inappetance was likely to have been a factor contributing to the lengthening.

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