[Conservative management of macrodontic cheek teeth in 34 guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus)]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic success of a conservative treatment approach for macrodontic molars in guinea pigs. To this end, longitudinal data from conservative management were analyzed and parameters of potential prognostic relevance were examined.

This retrospective study includes 34 guinea pigs diagnosed with macrodontic molars for the first time at the veterinary clinic Posthausen between 2019 and 2025. Diagnosis was based on macroscopic, endoscopic and radiological findings, guided by morphological criteria described in the scientific literature for this pathology. Conservative management consisted of repeated occlusal corrections under general anesthesia, supplemented with analgesic medication and supportive feeding as needed. Procedures were repeated upon recurrence of tooth-related symptoms.

The cohort showed a higher prevalence of neutered male animals (55,8%). Most macrodontic molars (73,7%) were located in the lower jaw and affected the last two tooth positions (70,2%). Multiple macrodontic teeth were initially diagnosed in 55,9% guinea pigs, with additional macrodonts appearing 260 days after the start of therapy in 2 animals. The number of dental trimmings performed ranged from 1 to 36, with intervals averaging 51 days, which shortened over the course of treatment. In 44,1% of guinea pigs, therapy was not continued after the first occlusal correction. Animals undergoing multiple procedures had a median survival time of 394 days. No significant correlation could be established between median survival time and the number of macrodontic teeth.

The findings highlight the possibilities and limitations of a purely conservative management of macrodont molars.