Clinical Technique: Dental Endoscopy of Rabbits and Rodents

Abstract

Dental disease remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in rabbits, rodents, and other small herbivores. Because of their small oral commissure, the rigid telescope is an ideal tool for examining and working within the buccal cavity of these animals. Focal illumination and magnification provide greater sensitivity and accuracy for identifying occlusal dental disease than other modalities. In addition, the telescope provides intraoperative visualization during dental trimming, extractions, and exploration of abscess, nasal, or paranasal cavities associated with dental structures.

Key words: rabbit, rodent, dental disease, endoscopy, telescope, minimally invasive surgery