Severe periodontal disease in a geriatric southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum)

Wrigglesworth, E; Dodds, J; Morgan, RE; Milnes, E; Spiro, S

Abstract

A geriatric southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) held at a zoological institution was euthanased following persistent dysmastication and decreasing body condition. A postmortem examination revealed marked calculi on the surfaces of the maxillary and mandibular molars with associated severe gingival recession, fetid material within diastemas and periodontal pockets, and multiple markedly mobile teeth. Postmortem computed tomography of the head found advanced periodontitis and apical periodontitis. Maceration of the skull showed severe vertical alveolar bone loss. The narrow oral cavity of the rhinoceros and the risk of general anaesthesia make dental examination difficult; however, the importance of such procedures to monitor and improve animal welfare is evident in the face of the advanced nature of the presented periodontal disease. Consequently, successful oral examinations have been performed on conspecifics at the same zoological institution. Details and recommendations for performing dental examinations on white rhinoceros are provided.

Citation

Wrigglesworth, E., Dodds, J., Morgan, R., Milnes, E., & Spiro, S. (2025). Severe periodontal disease in a geriatric southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum). Vet Record Case Reports, https://doi.org/10.1002/vrc2.70009

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 13, 2025
• Online Publication Date: Mar 3, 2025
• Publication Date: 2025
• Deposit Date: Mar 24, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 4, 2026
• Print ISSN: 2052-6121
• Electronic ISSN: 2052-6121
• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/vrc2.70009
• Keywords: PATHOLOGY; DICEROS