Tooth root abscesses in New World camelids: 23 cases (1972-1994).
OBJECTIVE
To determine typical clinical and radiographic findings in a group of New World camelids with tooth root abscesses and to determine outcome after medical and surgical treatment.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
23 llamas and alpacas with radiographic and clinical evidence of tooth root abscesses.


METHODS
Disease history, signalment, physical and radiographic examination findings, bacteriologic culture results, treatment, and short-term and long-term outcome were retrieved from the medical records.


RESULTS
Local swelling was the most common clinical abnormality in camelids with tooth root abscesses. Mandibular molars were affected most commonly, and bacteriologic culture of samples from lesions often revealed facultative anaerobic bacteria. Antibiotic treatment for at least 30 days, surgical extraction of the affected tooth, and a root canal procedure were used successfully to treat tooth root abscesses.


CONCLUSIONS
Both surgical and medical treatment of tooth root abscesses may lead to successful resolution of clinical signs in New World camelids.
Cebra
M L
ML
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523, USA.
Cebra
C K
CK
Garry
F B
FB
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001421:Bacteria, Anaerobic / Q000302:isolation & purification; D002161:Camelids, New World; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D008297:Male; D010482:Periapical Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000662:veterinary; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents