Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026
07:26
Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology
Published on: August 22, 2022
Resorptive tooth root lesions in the Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus)
Mari-Ann O Da Silva1, Hanne E Kortegaard, Siew Shean Choong
1Center for Zoo and Wild Animal Health, Copenhagen Zoo, DK-2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark.
Summary
Dental disease is prevalent in captive Malayan tapirs (Tapirus indicus), with 52% affected by resorptive lesions. Age and captivity are significant risk factors for these dental ailments.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Zoology
- Comparative Dentistry
Background:
- Facial abscessation and osteomyelitis are common in Malayan tapirs, often linked to dental disease.
- Etiology and prevalence of dental lesions in Malayan tapirs remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and characteristics of dental lesions in Malayan tapirs.
- To identify risk factors associated with dental ailments in this species.
Main Methods:
- Visual and radiographic evaluation of 56 Malayan tapir skulls and mandibles.
- Classification of individuals by age (juvenile, young adult, adult) and origin (captive, free-ranging).
- Scoring of dental lesions based on severity and type (resorptive nature).
Main Results:
- Overall prevalence of radiolucent dental lesions was 27%.
- Prevalence was significantly higher in captive tapirs (52%) compared to free-ranging tapirs (6%).
- Mandibular premolars and molars were most frequently affected by resorptive lesions.
Conclusions:
- Captivity and advanced age are significant risk factors for resorptive dental lesions in Malayan tapirs.
- The study highlights a high prevalence of dental disease in captive Malayan tapir populations.
- Findings provide crucial data for conservation and veterinary care strategies for Malayan tapirs.
