Journal of Veterinary Dentistry

A force transducer was developed to measure bite force in dogs. A total of 101 readings was obtained from 22 pet dogs ranging in size from 7 to 55 kg. Bite forces ranged from 13 to 1394 Newtons with a mean for all dogs of 256 Newtons and a median of 163 Newtons. Most measurements fell within the low end of the range, with 55% of the biting episodes less than 200 Newtons and 77% less than 400 Newtons.

HTR ^® polymer Synthetic Bone™ was found to be an osteoconductive, biocompatible, reliable nonresorbable matrix ridge maintenance material (Ridge Preservation). When used as socket implants immediately after the extraction of teeth over a one-year period in 16 beagle dogs, HTR was observed clinically and radiographically and compared with controls (unimplanted, sutured) extraction sites. As the control areas resorbed, the stability and effectiveness of the synthetic bone material in the operative sites became more clearly delineated. Quantitative analyses could not be made using radiographic techniques, but radiographs supported by subjective clinical observations as well as study casts taken of the height and width of the implanted areas, showed greater ridge retention compared with controls. Histological sections demonstrated dense laminar bone gradually forming into and around the HTR particulate material.

A 10-year-old German shepherd dog presented with a periodontal 10 mm interproximal defect between the left mandibular fourth premolar and first molar teeth. Bone graft removed from the caudoventral portion of the ipsilateral hemimandible was placed in the defect as a component of the periodontal treatment plan. The use of bone graft likely contributed to periodontal pocket reduction.

Conventional endodontic therapy, necessitated by the development of a carious lesion coronal to the furcation area of a mandibular first molar tooth, and management by gingivoplasty of a resultant Grade II furcation lesion are described. In addition, the significance of radiographic changes associated with the periapical region of an under-condensed mesial root is addressed.