Maxillary Canine Tooth Extraction for Class 2 Malocclusion in a Dog

Malocclusion in dogs is commonly diagnosed in puppies when the primary dentition is present. Interceptive orthodontic treatment may be elected to temporarily resolve painful contact points with the primary dentition. However, the adult dentition must be monitored closely and treated to achieve a lifelong, pain-free occlusion. This case report illustrates interceptive orthodontic treatment of deciduous and permanent dentition to treat a class 2 malocclusion in a dog. Extraction of the permanent maxillary canine tooth was elected to resolve abnormal contact from the mandibular canine in a single anesthetic episode. This treatment option allowed the patient to salvage the structure and function of the mandibular canine, avoid complications associated with mandibular canine extraction, and negate the need for lifelong follow-up of endodontic therapy.