A study of the effect of large worm burdens in lambs on their incisor dentition as adults

Authors: Orr MB
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 37, Issue 1, pp 38, Mar 1989
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

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

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Abstract: In Scottish hill sheep it has been shown by Sykes et al that there are cyclical changes in the density of cancellous bone, and that the ability to maintain and remineralise the skeleton deteriorates with increasing age. These authors suggest that demineralisation of the cencellous alveolar bone of the tooth crypts could contribute to the development of periodontal disease through removal of solid support for the incisors. An ADAS report later raised the possibility that loss of bony support for incisors might contribute to the development of periodontal disease of sheep. In this disease the clinical signs are long, loose and protruding incisors. It was suggested that in studies of periodontal disease, it would be worth studying the long term effects of the osteoporosis induced by parasitism on the integrity of the mandible…

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