Pathophysiology of Dental Disease in the Rabbit, Guinea Pig, and Chinchilla

This article presents a review of differences in physioanatomy of the masticatory apparatus and pathophysiology of dental disease in rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas. The entire dentition of these commonly kept pets is aradicular hypsodont, with teeth that continue to grow throughout life. This peculiarity of nature is present in animals with marked chewing behavior and allows replacement of tooth substance that is lost because of constant abrasive wear. Evidence is emerging that inappropriate physical form and composition of the diet may be responsible for tooth elongation and associated conditions in captive lagomorphs and rodents.