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Dental disease
/content/chapter/10.22233/9781910443903.chap11
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- BSAVA Manual of Guinea Pigs
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Dental disease
- Author: Vladimír Jekl
- From: BSAVA Manual of Guinea Pigs
- Item: Chapter 11, pp 111 - 132
- DOI: 10.22233/9781910443903.11
- Copyright: © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
- Publication Date: January 2026
Dental disease is frequently diagnosed in guinea pigs. The management of oral cavity disease starts with the establishment of the primary cause of the disorder. The optimal treatment can then be identified, and the short-term and long-term prognosis can be determined. This chapter details the dental and oral cavity anatomy of guinea pigs and the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of dental disease. The practical guidance is supported by information on possible complications and their management. Operative techniques: Extraction of the mandibular incisor; Apicoectomy of the mandibular premolar and molars.
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Figures
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11.1
Ventral aspect of a guinea pig skull with the mandible removed. Guinea pigs have one incisor (I), one premolar (P4) and three molars (M1–M3) in each dental quadrant. A modified Triadan system may be used for the exact tooth assignment.
(© Vladimír Jekl) © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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11.1
Ventral aspect of a guinea pig skull with the mandible removed. Guinea pigs have one incisor (I), one premolar (P4) and three molars (M1–M3) in each dental quadrant. A modified Triadan system may be used for the exact tooth assignment.
(© Vladimír Jekl)
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11.2
Medial aspect of an isolated left mandible. There are 5 teeth in each mandible (I, P4, M1–M3) which are joined together firmly with symphysis (S). Premolars and molars are of similar structure and form uniform grinding units. In this mandible, M1 is slightly dislocated buccally.
(© Vladimír Jekl) © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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11.2
Medial aspect of an isolated left mandible. There are 5 teeth in each mandible (I, P4, M1–M3) which are joined together firmly with symphysis (S). Premolars and molars are of similar structure and form uniform grinding units. In this mandible, M1 is slightly dislocated buccally.
(© Vladimír Jekl)
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11.3
Oral anatomy of the guinea pig.
Drawn by S.J. Elmhurst BA Hons (www.livingart.org.uk) and reproduced with her permission. © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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11.3
Oral anatomy of the guinea pig.
Drawn by S.J. Elmhurst BA Hons (www.livingart.org.uk) and reproduced with her permission.
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11.4
Key external masticatory musculature of the guinea pig. The internal pterygoid muscle (not depicted) is well-developed and accounts for almost 25% of the jaw-closing musculature. The internal pterygoid originates in the pterygoid fossa caudal to the molar tooth row.
Drawn by S.J. Elmhurst BA Hons (www.livingart.org.uk) and reproduced with her permission. © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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11.4
Key external masticatory musculature of the guinea pig. The internal pterygoid muscle (not depicted) is well-developed and accounts for almost 25% of the jaw-closing musculature. The internal pterygoid originates in the pterygoid fossa caudal to the molar tooth row.
Drawn by S.J. Elmhurst BA Hons (www.livingart.org.uk) and reproduced with her permission.
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11.5
A four-year old entire sow with a history of reduced feed intake. (a) During conscious oral cavity examination, an ovoid mass of solid consistency was found. Computed tomography did not show any association of the mass with the bone or incisor. (b) Surgical excision was curative. Histopathology confirmed the presence of ossified fibroma.
(© Vladimír Jekl) © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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11.5
A four-year old entire sow with a history of reduced feed intake. (a) During conscious oral cavity examination, an ovoid mass of solid consistency was found. Computed tomography did not show any association of the mass with the bone or incisor. (b) Surgical excision was curative. Histopathology confirmed the presence of ossified fibroma.
(© Vladimír Jekl)
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11.6
Oral cavity examination under general anaesthesia. (a) A mouth gag and cheek dilator are in place; an adjusted nasal mask was removed prior to photography. (b) To allow examination of the mandibular premolars and molars, a wooden dental spatula is used to depress the tongue.
(© Vladimír Jekl) © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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11.6
Oral cavity examination under general anaesthesia. (a) A mouth gag and cheek dilator are in place; an adjusted nasal mask was removed prior to photography. (b) To allow examination of the mandibular premolars and molars, a wooden dental spatula is used to depress the tongue.
(© Vladimír Jekl)
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11.7
(a) Elongation of the mandibular premolar clinical crowns commonly results in a bridge-like formation which prevents feeding and obstructs the passage of food. (b) Due to mandibular protrusion, the occlusal surface of the maxillary incisors is uneven and doesn’t resemble normal chisel-like occlusion.
(© Vladimír Jekl) © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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11.7
(a) Elongation of the mandibular premolar clinical crowns commonly results in a bridge-like formation which prevents feeding and obstructs the passage of food. (b) Due to mandibular protrusion, the occlusal surface of the maxillary incisors is uneven and doesn’t resemble normal chisel-like occlusion.
(© Vladimír Jekl)
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11.8
Endoscopic images of different guinea pigs. (a) An overview of the maxillary dental arcades using a rigid endoscope (18 cm long, 30 degree viewing angle). (b) A macrodont M2 in the right mandibular dental arcade with a horizontal occlusal surface (arrowed). (c) Endoscopy can be also used as a guide for intraoral tooth luxation and extractions. (d) Severe elongation of all the premolars and molars in a guinea pig. The premolars form a bridge-like structure (arrowed) above the tongue.
(© Vladimír Jekl) © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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11.8
Endoscopic images of different guinea pigs. (a) An overview of the maxillary dental arcades using a rigid endoscope (18 cm long, 30 degree viewing angle). (b) A macrodont M2 in the right mandibular dental arcade with a horizontal occlusal surface (arrowed). (c) Endoscopy can be also used as a guide for intraoral tooth luxation and extractions. (d) Severe elongation of all the premolars and molars in a guinea pig. The premolars form a bridge-like structure (arrowed) above the tongue.
(© Vladimír Jekl)
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11.9
A guinea pig with cheilitis associated with secondary candidiasis on (a, b) the day of presentation, (c) 14 days after treatment and (d) 30 days after treatment. Cheilitis was managed by the local administration of antimycotics and moisturizing gels.
(© Vladimír Jekl) © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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11.9
A guinea pig with cheilitis associated with secondary candidiasis on (a, b) the day of presentation, (c) 14 days after treatment and (d) 30 days after treatment. Cheilitis was managed by the local administration of antimycotics and moisturizing gels.
(© Vladimír Jekl)
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11.10
(a) Transverse, (b) dorsal and (c, d) three-dimensional reconstructed images from a computed tomography study of a 3-year-old entire satin boar with fibrous osteodystrophy. Skull bone demineralization and thickening around the teeth are obvious. Every tooth has an elongated clinical crown. (a) On the transverse section, the bone has a moth-eaten appearance.
(© Vladimír Jekl) © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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11.10
(a) Transverse, (b) dorsal and (c, d) three-dimensional reconstructed images from a computed tomography study of a 3-year-old entire satin boar with fibrous osteodystrophy. Skull bone demineralization and thickening around the teeth are obvious. Every tooth has an elongated clinical crown. (a) On the transverse section, the bone has a moth-eaten appearance.
(© Vladimír Jekl)
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11.11
(a–e) Transverse, (f, g) sagittal and (h, i) three-dimensional reconstructed images from a computed tomography study of a 5-year-old guinea pig that had difficulties with feeding. Macrodont formation of the left upper incisor, with disruption of the internal structure, is apparent. Hypoattenuating material in the left nasal cavity was associated with periapical infection of the medial wall of the incisor alveolus. Slight left mandibular shift, mandibular protrusion, incisor malocclusion and elongation of all the mandibular cheek teeth can be seen. The clinical crowns of the mandibular premolars are in contact and form a bridge-like structure.
(© Vladimír Jekl) © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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11.11
(a–e) Transverse, (f, g) sagittal and (h, i) three-dimensional reconstructed images from a computed tomography study of a 5-year-old guinea pig that had difficulties with feeding. Macrodont formation of the left upper incisor, with disruption of the internal structure, is apparent. Hypoattenuating material in the left nasal cavity was associated with periapical infection of the medial wall of the incisor alveolus. Slight left mandibular shift, mandibular protrusion, incisor malocclusion and elongation of all the mandibular cheek teeth can be seen. The clinical crowns of the mandibular premolars are in contact and form a bridge-like structure.
(© Vladimír Jekl)
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11.12
(a) Dorsal, (b) sagittal and (c) three-dimensional reconstructed images from a computed tomography study of a 1.5-year-old entire sow with severe dental disease. The premolars and molars are elongated, causing mandibular protrusion. (a) Soft tissue swelling (arrowheads) is associated with periapical infection and medial mandibular bone lysis. (a, b) The right mandibular third molar (M3) is split into two parts (arrowed). (c) The angular process was also affected (arrowed).
(© Vladimír Jekl) © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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11.12
(a) Dorsal, (b) sagittal and (c) three-dimensional reconstructed images from a computed tomography study of a 1.5-year-old entire sow with severe dental disease. The premolars and molars are elongated, causing mandibular protrusion. (a) Soft tissue swelling (arrowheads) is associated with periapical infection and medial mandibular bone lysis. (a, b) The right mandibular third molar (M3) is split into two parts (arrowed). (c) The angular process was also affected (arrowed).
(© Vladimír Jekl)
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11.13
(a–d) Atypical localization of a high-grade malignant lymphoma between the masseter muscles of the cheek. Surgical excision was curative and the guinea pig did not show any clinical signs of disease for a minimum of 4 years after the surgery.
(© Vladimír Jekl) © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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11.13
(a–d) Atypical localization of a high-grade malignant lymphoma between the masseter muscles of the cheek. Surgical excision was curative and the guinea pig did not show any clinical signs of disease for a minimum of 4 years after the surgery.
(© Vladimír Jekl)
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11.1.1
Preoperative computed tomography study of a guinea pig with an odontogenic incisor abscess. (a,b) Sagittal and (c) transverse views. Compare (a) healthy and (b,c) affected incisor structure. (a) In a healthy tooth the germinative tissue and pulp is seen as hypodense material (arrowed). (b) In the affected incisor the pulpal cavity is filled with air (arrowed). (b,c) Lytic/missing or osteoproliferative lesions are seen in the ventral mandibular cortex (arrowheads).
(© Vladimír Jekl) © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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11.1.1
Preoperative computed tomography study of a guinea pig with an odontogenic incisor abscess. (a,b) Sagittal and (c) transverse views. Compare (a) healthy and (b,c) affected incisor structure. (a) In a healthy tooth the germinative tissue and pulp is seen as hypodense material (arrowed). (b) In the affected incisor the pulpal cavity is filled with air (arrowed). (b,c) Lytic/missing or osteoproliferative lesions are seen in the ventral mandibular cortex (arrowheads).
(© Vladimír Jekl)
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11.1.2
The patient is placed in dorsal recumbency. Mandibular swelling is seen.
(© Vladimír Jekl) © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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11.1.2
The patient is placed in dorsal recumbency. Mandibular swelling is seen.
(© Vladimír Jekl)
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11.1.3
The guinea pig mandible. (a) The black rectangle shows the site of the mandibular bone removal, directly ventral from the mandibular reserve crown. The arrow points to the right incisor apex. (b) The rectangle shows the mandibular apex and the area of bone that should be removed to access the incisor apex. Care must be taken to avoid bone removal from the ventral part of the mandible as this holds the apex of the mandibular premolar (P4).
(© Vladimír Jekl) © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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11.1.3
The guinea pig mandible. (a) The black rectangle shows the site of the mandibular bone removal, directly ventral from the mandibular reserve crown. The arrow points to the right incisor apex. (b) The rectangle shows the mandibular apex and the area of bone that should be removed to access the incisor apex. Care must be taken to avoid bone removal from the ventral part of the mandible as this holds the apex of the mandibular premolar (P4).
(© Vladimír Jekl)
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11.1.4
Extraoral approach to the guinea pig incisor. (a) The bone is removed ventrally to the affected incisors (arrowheads; see
Figure 11.1.3a
) and medial to the incisor apex (arrowed; see
Figure 11.1.3b
). Enamel of the incisor can be seen. (b) The tooth is then luxated along the lingual, buccal and labial aspects using a scalpel blade or luxator. Care must be taken to not fracture the bones.
(© Vladimír Jekl) © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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11.1.4
Extraoral approach to the guinea pig incisor. (a) The bone is removed ventrally to the affected incisors (arrowheads; see
Figure 11.1.3a
) and medial to the incisor apex (arrowed; see
Figure 11.1.3b
). Enamel of the incisor can be seen. (b) The tooth is then luxated along the lingual, buccal and labial aspects using a scalpel blade or luxator. Care must be taken to not fracture the bones.
(© Vladimír Jekl)
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11.1.5
(a,b) An extracted incisor. (b) Detailed view of the apex. The apical part of the tooth is pigmented, and the pulp is missing due to necrotic and inflammatory processes of the germinative tissue. This was in agreement with computed tomography images which revealed the central part of the incisor was filled with air (see
Figure 11.1.1
).
(© Vladimír Jekl) © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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11.1.5
(a,b) An extracted incisor. (b) Detailed view of the apex. The apical part of the tooth is pigmented, and the pulp is missing due to necrotic and inflammatory processes of the germinative tissue. This was in agreement with computed tomography images which revealed the central part of the incisor was filled with air (see
Figure 11.1.1
).
(© Vladimír Jekl)
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11.1.6
After the incisor extraction the wound is thoroughly debrided. (a) A metal probe is inserted into the extraction wound to illustrate the communication between the oral cavity and the extraoral wound. (b) Detailed view of the mandibulotomy site: some bone detritus is still present and should be removed.
(© Vladimír Jekl) © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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11.1.6
After the incisor extraction the wound is thoroughly debrided. (a) A metal probe is inserted into the extraction wound to illustrate the communication between the oral cavity and the extraoral wound. (b) Detailed view of the mandibulotomy site: some bone detritus is still present and should be removed.
(© Vladimír Jekl)
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11.1.7
Postoperative view of a guinea pig after right incisor extraction. (a) The intraoral extraction wound was closed with single interrupted sutures and (b) the extraoral wound was marsupialized due to the presence of infection. (a) The coronal length of the maxillary incisors needs to be corrected.
(© Vladimír Jekl) © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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11.1.7
Postoperative view of a guinea pig after right incisor extraction. (a) The intraoral extraction wound was closed with single interrupted sutures and (b) the extraoral wound was marsupialized due to the presence of infection. (a) The coronal length of the maxillary incisors needs to be corrected.
(© Vladimír Jekl)
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11.2.1
(a–d) Transverse computed tomography images of a guinea pig with two macrodont teeth (M2) on both mandibles. (b) Bilateral apicoectomy was performed with a dental drill. (c) Four weeks postoperatively, due to the effect of the periodontal ligaments, the remains of the crowns were gradually emerging coronally/orally. The sockets were filled with healing tissue (hypodense material in the socket of both mandibular M2 teeth). (d) The tooth remnants were extracted eight weeks after the apicoectomy. Apex resection of the opposite maxillary teeth can be considered if the clinical crowns elongate rapidly. If the mandibular tooth M2 is affected, this is usually not necessary in the author’s experience.
(© Vladimír Jekl) © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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11.2.1
(a–d) Transverse computed tomography images of a guinea pig with two macrodont teeth (M2) on both mandibles. (b) Bilateral apicoectomy was performed with a dental drill. (c) Four weeks postoperatively, due to the effect of the periodontal ligaments, the remains of the crowns were gradually emerging coronally/orally. The sockets were filled with healing tissue (hypodense material in the socket of both mandibular M2 teeth). (d) The tooth remnants were extracted eight weeks after the apicoectomy. Apex resection of the opposite maxillary teeth can be considered if the clinical crowns elongate rapidly. If the mandibular tooth M2 is affected, this is usually not necessary in the author’s experience.
(© Vladimír Jekl)
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11.2.2
(a–d) Lateral views of the guinea pig mandible. The localization of the apex of the correct tooth (arrowed) is very important. (d) The apex of each tooth can be seen after removal of the alveolar mandibular bone with a dental drill or piezosurgical unit. Note the relatively dorsally located apex of the last molar tooth (M3).
(© Vladimír Jekl) © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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11.2.2
(a–d) Lateral views of the guinea pig mandible. The localization of the apex of the correct tooth (arrowed) is very important. (d) The apex of each tooth can be seen after removal of the alveolar mandibular bone with a dental drill or piezosurgical unit. Note the relatively dorsally located apex of the last molar tooth (M3).
(© Vladimír Jekl)
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11.2.3
Surgical approach to the last mandibular molar in the guinea pig. (a) The skin is incised, and the superficial fascia of the masseter muscle is sharply incised. (b) The apex is then localized using blunt dissection (arrowed) and (c) approximately 3–4 mm of the apex and the reserve crown is removed.
(© Vladimír Jekl) © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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11.2.3
Surgical approach to the last mandibular molar in the guinea pig. (a) The skin is incised, and the superficial fascia of the masseter muscle is sharply incised. (b) The apex is then localized using blunt dissection (arrowed) and (c) approximately 3–4 mm of the apex and the reserve crown is removed.
(© Vladimír Jekl)
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11.2.4
Apicoectomy in the same guinea pig as in
Figure 11.2.1
. (a) After the skin incision, the apex of the affected tooth is palpated as a bony protrusion on the lateral side of the mandible. (b) The soft tissues are bluntly dissected and (c) the periosteum is lifted from the apex, which is then clearly visible. (d) The bone just above the apex and approximately 3–4 mm of the apical area is removed with a dental drill or a piezosurgical unit. Care must be taken to remove the entire thickness of the apex to prevent regrowth of the tooth. (e) In this particular case, a similar procedure with apex localization and apex resection was required on the other side (see
Figure 11.2.1
). The wound should be sutured in two layers (muscles and skin). (f) Two weeks after surgery, the patient was re-examined, the stitches were removed and the oral cavity was thoroughly inspected (note the small scar in the area of the procedure).
(© Vladimír Jekl) © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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11.2.4
Apicoectomy in the same guinea pig as in
Figure 11.2.1
. (a) After the skin incision, the apex of the affected tooth is palpated as a bony protrusion on the lateral side of the mandible. (b) The soft tissues are bluntly dissected and (c) the periosteum is lifted from the apex, which is then clearly visible. (d) The bone just above the apex and approximately 3–4 mm of the apical area is removed with a dental drill or a piezosurgical unit. Care must be taken to remove the entire thickness of the apex to prevent regrowth of the tooth. (e) In this particular case, a similar procedure with apex localization and apex resection was required on the other side (see
Figure 11.2.1
). The wound should be sutured in two layers (muscles and skin). (f) Two weeks after surgery, the patient was re-examined, the stitches were removed and the oral cavity was thoroughly inspected (note the small scar in the area of the procedure).
(© Vladimír Jekl)