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December 2012
Dr Gerhard Steenkamp
Dental materials have revolutionized
the way we deal with exotic patients, even those that do not have any teeth. For this month I
have decided to show an example of a tortoise where dental acrylic can be used and why it is
beneficial.
First case is an immature hinged back
tortoise that was driven over by a car. Due to this the shell (carapace) can fracture,
exposing the lungs (thorax) or abdominal cavity underneath
it.
Conventionally veterinarians used to
drill holes into the shell and then insert small screws. This was then covered with some
methylmethacrylate preparation or even steel epoxy. The downside to this technique is the
large holes necessary for the screws (especially in small tortoises), and the severely exothermic
reactions from the materials used to cover it. Some of the methylmethacrylate preparations have a
curing temperature of 70º centigrade. The trauma this can do to underlying soft tissue is
severe and I prefer not to use them.
Before stabilisation the area is
cleaned and fluched. Taking extreme care not to flood the tortois’ thoracic cavity with the
fluids. Any debri is removed.
The carapace is then stabilized with small dental pins and a very thin orthopaedic wire
construct.
After the carapace was stabilized, the
whole area is covered with a dental acrylic, which is strong enough to keep the area firm, protect
the structure and is no very exothermic.
This big leopard tortoise had a
carapace fracture as well and due to its size, stainless steel screws instead of dental pins was
used to anchor the construct.
Dental acrylic also allows you to
express your innerself, while helping your patients!
All the best till next time!
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