Dyspnea in a Degu (Octodon degu) Associated with Maxillary Cheek Teeth Elongation

Abstract

An adult, 2-year-old, 173g, intact male degu (Octodon degus) was presented to the authors’ clinic with a 2-week history of reduced food intake, weight loss, epiphora, and dyspnea. Physical examination revealed lethargy, cachexia, bilateral serous ocular discharge, dehydration, inspiratory dyspnea, and severe dental disease. Diagnostic investigation showed extensive apical elongation of premolars causing partial nasal cavity obstruction by masses of increased opacity, and loss of conchal detail. The animal was euthanized due to general poor condition and the severity of disease. Postmortem micro–computed tomography showed marked reserve crown elongation of all premolars and molars. All cheek teeth were abnormally curved and had widened interdental spaces. The apex of the maxillary left premolar nearly penetrated the left nasal bone. Both maxillary premolars penetrated into the nasal cavity and caused complete left and partial right nasal cavity obstruction. Apices of all premolars were dysplastic.