Advanced Care Resources for Serious Dental Issues in Squirrels

[SophieSquirrel]

Being relatively new to TSB I have looked at old posts and seen many squirrels with serious dental issues. Many vets have a basic understanding but do not have the advanced skills to correct malocclusions and conditions like those illustrated in sweet Gemma’s photos.

There are two top vets that specialize in rodent dentistry and both will consult with other vets (generally not with pet owners) to assist in resolving complicated dental issues.

Dr. David Crossley is the “father of modern rodent dentistry” and even has a supply of custom tools that vets can order to float molars. He trains vets in his procedures and has training materials he can provide to assist your vet diagnose and treat your squirrel's dental problems. You can explain to your vet that this will be a marketable skill and worth the investment in time and materials. If you vet is not interested find another vet!

Dr. David Crossley
Website: http://www.dacross.uk/

Dr. Wendy Beers trained under Dr. Crossley and has all of his skill sets. Dr. Beers is regarded as the top in rodent dentistry in the United States and will consult with your vet.

Dr Wendy Beers
Kensington Veterinary Hospital
400 Colusa Ave, Kensington, CA 94707
(510) 528-0797 (M/Tu/Wed only)
Email: drbeers@kensingtonvethospital.com

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These vets (below) have also been trained in the Crossley method and I have used them in the past for exotic rodent dentistry. I am sure there are many other rodent dentistry specialists trained in the Crossley method. These are the ones I am aware of. You can always call or Email Dacross ( http://www.dacross.uk/ ) for a list of vet’s near you that are trained in his methods.

Dr. Natalie Antinoff
Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists
Houston, TX
713-341-9520
Email: info@gcvs.com
Website: https://www.gcvs.com/

Dr. Heidi Hoefer
Island Exotics Veterinary Care
Huntington Station, NY
http://heidihoefer.com/

Dr. Angela Lennox
Avaian and Exotic Animal Clinic
Indianapolis, IN
(317) 879-8633
http://exoticvetclinic.com/

Dr’s Alesia Emerson and Santiago Diaz of Florida are also capable of advanced dental procedures


As these (Chinchilla) photos illustrate there is sometimes more going on inside the mouth other than incisor growth. The same applies to squirrels and other rodents

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[Mel1959]

Thank you for posting these valuable resources. It’s always nice to know what options are available for the care of our babies. :w00t

[HRT4SQRLS]

Question... You mentioned malocclusion. Are any of these experienced with odontoma removal? If I remember correctly PennyCash took Resilie to Dr. Antinoff. I think she got the definitive diagnosis there but had to travel to FL for the removal (twice).

A resource on the west coast for odontoma removal would be HUGE. Thanks for the information. :)

[SophieSquirrel]

Question... You mentioned malocclusion. Are any of these experienced with odontoma removal? If I remember correctly PennyCash took Resilie to Dr. Antinoff. I think she got the definitive diagnosis there but had to travel to FL for the removal (twice).

A resource on the west coast for odontoma removal would be HUGE. Thanks for the information. :)

I know Dr. Beers can do it. Getting anything into CA is a major issue with APHIS checkpoints at all CA entry points, so Dr. Beers is probably good for CA "under the table" squirrel holders only, and not those from surrounding states. Dr. Beers probably has resources for vets in OR, WA Etc that can do Odontoma treatment and surgery.

I also rescue P.D,'s and Dr. Gena Seaburg the top P.D. expert in the USA recommends Dr. Emerson for Odontoma removal. Odontoma usually does not have a favorable outcome as the procedure is risky and will need a shunt. PM to follow.

[dextersmom]

Does anyone have a pic of these teeth that are issues? I once had a squirrel where it was obvious that he had to have his teeth cut,the bottoms grew over his lip. the owner of a renound pet store would cut his nails and teeth for me both for 20.00. Its no big deal.My question is: If the teeth are not as obvious as this squirrel which I had what should I look for? Does one have to look into the squirrels mouth looking for this issue?

[stepnstone]

I also rescue P.D,'s and Dr. Gena Seaburg the top P.D. expert in the USA recommends Dr. Emerson for Odontoma removal. Odontoma usually does not have a favorable outcome as the procedure is risky and will need a shunt. PM to follow.

Dr. Emerson has handled quite a few of our members for odontoma removal. Yes, the procedure can be risky but if there is an expert
in the field of the odontoma procedure it's Dr. Emerson. Some of our members have traveled across many States to see her and her
success with this surgery is quite outstanding. :great

[stosh2010]

Does anyone have a pic of these teeth that are issues? I once had a squirrel where it was obvious that he had to have his teeth cut,the bottoms grew over his lip. the owner of a renound pet store would cut his nails and teeth for me both for 20.00. Its no big deal.My question is: If the teeth are not as obvious as this squirrel what should I look for? Does one have to look into the squirrels mouth looking for this issue?

I am NOT an expert---but one obvious thing is lack of incisor growth.
If they stop grownig out (uppers or lowers) they are probably growing inside the jaw.--resulting in breathing issues