JVD 2020 #3 Management of Severe Periodontal Disease and Gingival Enlargement in a Dwarf Mongoose (Helogale parvula)

Question 1

What is the common dwarf mongoose?

Answer 1

Helogale parvula
small sub-Saharan African species
Order Carnivora, family Herpestidae
Diet: terrestrial invertebrates (insects, spiders) and small vertebrates

Question 2

What is the dental formula of the common dwarf mongoose?

Answer 2

I 3/3, C 1/1, PM 3/3, M 2/2

3132/3132

Question 3

Causes of gingival enlargement (hyperplasia)

Answer 3

chronic inflam
acute inflam from gingival or perio abscess
some anticonvusants (eg phenytoin)
immunosuppressants (eg cyclosporine)
calcium channel blockers (eg amlodipine)
Breeds of dogs: boxers, collies, Dobermans, Dalmatians, Great Danes

Question 4

What was the monogoose diagnosed with and how was it ultimately treated?

Answer 4

chronic periodontitis and gingival hyperplasia. Multiple episodes of gingival resection. Then extraction of teeth associated with the recurrent gingival enlargement.