Odontomas are very possible if you clip with bad tools, if your sq moves while clipping...
if the tool you use doesn't cut like butter, quick, easy and quiet...throw it away.
A squirrel with malocclusion -- teeth which do not grind themselves down normally, and grow too long -- will need clipping every three weeks.
Odontomas are dangerous and can kill your squirrel.
Dremels scare sqs, but many use them.
The cheapest trim I have ever paid for was $18.. the most expensive was $78...same sq, different doc.
Wire cutters are not what I use, although that's what they look like. Do not use cheap chinese junk.
You must file afterwards, males can slice their penis while grooming.
Clipping must be done with nothing else going on, in a well lit quiet atmosphere when the sq is in a good mood perferably.
NORMAL uppers grow toward throat, close to roof of mouth. Long teeth can allow food to get stuck between roof and teeth and the sq can choke to death. Lowers can grow into roof of mouth, puncture sinuses and cause sever infection.
overgrown teeth will stop a sq from eating and lead to pain and possible septic infections...this is a serious matter.
I do not like to clip teeth, and am scared everytime, and I do it every three weeks for seven years...point, never think you're good at it, never relax, it needs 1oo% of your attention and dedication.
the real TOOL MY VET USES COST ALMOST $300 DOLLARS, SO AT $30 WE ARE BEING AS CHEAP AS POSSIBLE, dO NOT TRY TO USE CHEAPER TOOL.
German Steel Jeweler's side cutters....nothing else!!
www.livesaysinc.com 1-800-476-2715 ask for Butch
sku#46.066.....$22.65 plus shipping and handling.
I have 'splained to him that this is what you need and why!
Livesay's does not normally sell to the public, this is a jewelers supply house....and it took special persuasion to get this special favor, be careful please!
Here's a not so detailed video of US...getting teeth trim...Most sqs are not this well behaved...you may need help to hold the patient VERY STILL. You may need to burrito.
http://s281.photobucket.com/albums/k...5.flv&newest=1
Do not use pointy tools, be careful of the eyes.
My file is REvlon metal file for nails and has a blunt/round tip, found at the drug store cosmetic area.
I use a popsicle stick to stop the tooth fragment from being shallowed and to keep ONLY the teeth exposed, not the tongue...
It took 6 months or more of private lessons for me to feel comfy enough to do this alone,
and I still don't, 7 years later...point being, do not think it's easy, and it is not safe. You can do permanent damage if things go wrong. Damage that can kill your sq!
Odontomas are tumors on the tooth root, try finding a vet to remove them...it's very serious, expensive and the surgery is dangerous.
THE VET HAS TO DRILL THRU THE SKULL to remove them from uppers incisor roots. If not removed, they will continue to grow, putting pressure on the sinuses and brain...much worse than a tooth ache.
THEY WILL LEAD TO DEATH if untreated, PERIOD!
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...light=squarlet
this is a link to squarlets thread...she was a very large fox sq, and very lucky sq to have dr.dan, her momma and tsb!
here's a vid of me clipping Rocky...it does not show much detail, as I an uncomfortable showing others unless i can preach the do's and don'ts, however i have been getting alot of pm's asking for instruction, i am very uncomfortable sharing...so !?!?!
please be careful and research well before making this choice.PLEASE!
here's a pic of my tools!
and a pic of one of rocky's uppers.
PM me if you need more detail...
please be careful and good luck!
I really did not want to do this...so please please be careful!