Hi everyone. My seven-year-old NR male squirrel Earl Grey has been having mouth issues with recurrent abscesses. We have an excellent exotics vet, and after multiple X-rays, we found the source of the problem. Earl Grey has severely elongated lower incisor roots that are not only affecting his teeth but have also started pushing into his right eye. His eye started swelling three days ago. He also has a scratched cornea, which the vet assumes happened because of his scratching in response to the stress on the eye from the roots. She has recommended having the lower incisors completely removed and eventually the top as well. She did caution that the jaw bone would be rendered incredibly fragile and could fracture. He also has an infected lower right molar she plans to remove.
I am wondering if anyone here has any experience with this? Especially the overgrown roots. I am asking the vet to send over the X-rays so I can also share those. I know Thumbelina has had both sets of incisors removed and is doing well! Has anyone else had success with their squirrels after removing both sets of incisors? How does their appetite seem to be? Do they take to a soft diet well? I am just very concerned that his quality of life could be diminished, but I am also not willing to give up on him yet! He is a strong, sweet boy who, outside of the dental issues, has always been healthy. I would greatly appreciate any help or advice. His surgery to remove the lower incisors is scheduled for this upcoming Tuesday, but I am waiting to confirm with our vet until the end of the week. I really appreciate any help you can provide. I'm so grateful for all the wonderful squirrel lovers on here; I’ve found so much invaluable information here over the years. Thanks again!