Volume: 4, 2025
4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: A016
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.A016
Published online: 9 April 2025
ICDSUPL, 4, A016 (2025)
Dental correction in chinchillas (Chinchilla) – indications and procedure – selected clinical cases
Sylwia Lewandowska1*, Jerzy Ziętek1, Martyna Gumółka2, Mateusz Wątor2, Alicja Podlach2
1 Department of Epizootiology and Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Głęboka 30, 20-612 Lublin, Poland
2 Association of Veterinary Medicine, Section of Small Mammals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Głęboka 30, 20-612 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: sylwia.lewandowska@up.lublin.pl
Abstract
Chinchillas are commonly kept as companion animals. A characteristic feature of this species is continuous tooth growth (hypselodonty). Dental problems are a frequent reason for veterinary visits. Symptoms reported by owners, such as loss of appetite, drooling, bad breath, or teeth grinding, may indicate dental disease. The author of this study is a clinical veterinarian specializing in small mammal dentistry. The aim is to describe the indications and the best method for performing dental correction. Animals were qualified for further diagnostics based on the symptoms described above and after detecting dental abnormalities during an otoscopic examination performed by a veterinarian. Preparation for the oral cavity examination began with flushing the mouth using a syringe with water to remove food residues. The patients were anesthetized via inhalation anesthesia using isoflurane. The most effective tools for keeping the mouth open were incisor and cheek retractors designed for rodents (with extended arms). Excessive drooling was dried using a cotton swab or suction device. Each patient underwent dental X-ray imaging. The most commonly affected teeth were P1 and M1, with M2 and M3 affected much less frequently. Tooth overgrowth makes it difficult or even impossible for chinchillas to eat. Sharp edges of overgrown teeth can damage the oral mucosa, causing significant pain. Incisor and cheek retractors are gentle and allow for a more precise examination of the oral cavity. Inhalation anesthesia facilitates a smooth procedure and enables quick patient recovery. A micromotor with a diamond or carbide burr allows for a rapid and efficient procedure. Due to the continuous growth of teeth, some patients require regular corrections, even on a monthly basis. The analysis of clinical cases conducted by the author confirms that dental problems are a common condition in chinchillas. At the same time, proper treatment requires specialized knowledge and equipment.
Keywords: chinchillas, hypselodonty, dental correction
How to cite
S. Lewandowska, J. Ziętek, M. Gumółka, M. Wątor, A. Podlach, 2025. Dental correction in chinchillas (Chinchilla) – indications and procedure – selected clinical cases. In: 4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.A016