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28 September 2021 PRESENTATION AND MANAGEMENT OF DENTAL PAD FRACTURES IN TWO FLORIDA MANATEES (TRICHECHUS MANATUS LATIROSTRIS)
Whitney Greene, Vivian M. Lee, Lynne Byrd, Laura Denum, Katharine Boerner, M. Andrew Stamper
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Abstract

The Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) has well-developed keratinized dental pads at the most rostral aspect of their mouth to assist with mastication. This unique development is thought to be an adaptive response to their highly abrasive diets that contain phytoliths and sediments that may accelerate dental wear. In May 2013, two Florida manatees presented with multiple fractures in their inferior dental pads. The fractures were successfully managed with nutritional modifications, dental pad trimming, and vigilant monitoring through behavioral husbandry training. Signs of spontaneous healing were observed as early as 60 days after initial presentation with subsequent full resolution. Although surgical intervention was planned, the spontaneous healing mitigated significant health risks associated with the procedure. To the authors' knowledge, these are the first reported cases of dental pad fractures and their spontaneous healing and resolution in manatees.

Copyright 2021 by American Association of Zoo Veterinarians
Whitney Greene, Vivian M. Lee, Lynne Byrd, Laura Denum, Katharine Boerner, and M. Andrew Stamper "PRESENTATION AND MANAGEMENT OF DENTAL PAD FRACTURES IN TWO FLORIDA MANATEES (TRICHECHUS MANATUS LATIROSTRIS)," Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 52(3), 1084-1089, (28 September 2021). https://doi.org/10.1638/2020-0188
Accepted: 22 May 2021; Published: 28 September 2021
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