engleski

Variations in teeth shape, number and position in wild stone martens from Croatia – preliminary results

Totally 35 skulls of wild stone martens (Martes foina Erx.) from Mediterranean and karst habitat in Croatia were examined macroscopically for dental abnormalities. In the case of tooth absence, alveolar bone was thoroughly examined to determine whether respective tooth was lost during the life or post mortem. Irregular arrangement of lower incisors was observed in 9 individuals (25.7 %). The P1 was absent bilaterally in 6 (17.1 %) and unilaterally in 4 individuals (11.4 %). In opposite, P1 was absent only unilaterally, in 2 cases (0.57 %). Of other teeth, I1 was absent in 2 cases unilaterally (0.57 %), while I2, C1 and P3 were missing in one case each (0.29 %). At contrary, we noted only one supernumerary tooth - right P2, followed with rotation of respective tooth and P3 as a consequence of overcrowding. Rotation was observed on 6 premolars in total (two lower and four upper). Complicated crown fractures were observed on three skulls (0.86 %). Fractures were found only on maxillar canine tooth. The associated porous alveolar bone was observed just over the one fractured canine. Finally, the excessive teeth wear were recorded in 9 skulls (25.7 %). The observed congenital hypodontia is a frequent finding in all carnivores, reflecting the trend to reduce the number of teeth. The relatively low incidence of tooth fractures and almost complete absence of periodontal diseases can be attributed to the fact that majority of examined skulls originated from adolescent animals.

stone marten; tooth; dental abnormalities

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