ABSTRACT
The domestic ferret has 28-30 deciduous teeth (di34/3: dc1/1: dm3/3). Eruption of the canines begins at 8 weeks of age (Fig. 19.1). The permanent dental formula is I3/3: C1/1: PM3/3: M1/2 = 34. The mandibular second molar is congenitally missing in some ferrets. There may also be supernumerary teeth, most commonly found between the rst and second maxillary incisors (Fig. 19.2). Periodontal and gingival tissues and structures are similar to that of other carnivores. Using dog and cat dentistry as guidelines for home and veterinary care appears to be relevant. Oral microora of the gingival sulcus and related mucosa was cultured at the mid-buccal surface of the right upper P4. In this study nearly 100% of the total cultivable ora were composed of facultative anaerobic gram-negative and gram-positive rods. Pasteurella spp., Corynebacterium spp., and Rothia spp. were the major components. No anaerobic bacteria
were detected. Detailed anatomy and physiology are in Chapter 3. Prognathism is found occasionally as a congenital defect (Fig. 19.3).
