Abstract

Oral exams were performed on a group of 14 captive dolphins ranging in age from 1-31 years. Diagnostic intraoral digital radiographs were achieved in three of the dolphins. Intraoral digital radiographs were taken of teeth in museum specimens prior to those taken in the captive dolphins. Teeth were selected for radiography based on the oral exam findings and included those with fractures, attrition, or attachment loss. Some teeth without pathology were also radiographed for comparison. The radiographs were performed with the dolphins in the water and the doctors and staff on a floating dock. All dolphins were trained to accept an intraoral digital sensor prior to the date of the oral exams. The techniques used to obtain images included the parallel and bisecting angle techniques. A 10mA hand-held portable x-ray machine was used to expose a size 2 digital sensor. Veterinary specific digital software was used to record the images. Difficulties with the process included artifact on the images due to pressure from the tongue on the sensor and wave motion from the floatable dock. Some dolphins were more accepting of the process than others. The methodology used required a computer at the site and multiple cords. Dolphins that did not apply tongue pressure to the sensor had images free of artifact. Pathology discovered radiographically (captive and museum specimens), included periapical abscesses, hypercementosis, internal resorption, external resorption, non-vital teeth and widening of the periodontal ligament space. Not all radiographic pathology findings require treatment. Dockside intraoral radiography can be used to identify pathology, create treatment plans, and triage dental and oral surgery treatment in a group of captive dolphins.

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Dr. Bob Stevens and the staff at Dolphins Plus and Dolphin Cove in Key Largo, Florida for their support, training expertise, and team efforts.