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.1 This unique development is thought to be an adaptive response to their highly abrasive diets which contain phytoliths and sediments and may accelerate dental wear.2,3,4 In May 2013, two Florida manatees at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium 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. Although surgery to remove the loose tissue around the fractures was planned, both fractures showed signs of spontaneous healing as early as 60 days post initial presentation. The fractures fully resolved with minimal intervention, mitigating significant health risks associated with surgery.5,6 To the authors’ knowledge, these are the first reported cases of dental pad fractures and their spontaneous healing and resolution in manatees.
Acknowledgements
The authors thank Joe Gaspard, Vanessa Hensley, and members of the Manatee Care Department at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium for their efforts in providing care to these manatees.
*Presenting author
+Student presenter
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