Radiographic Screening of Wild and Semi-Wild Cape Ground Squirrels (Geosciurus inauris) for the Presence of Peri-Apical Masses Associated With Elodont Incisor Teeth.

Peri-apical masses such as elodontomas, pseudo-odontomas, and dental dysplasia have been reported to be associated with the elodont (continuously growing) teeth of rodents. These lesions are predominantly documented in captive animals and are hypothesized to arise from environmental and dietary factors linked to captivity. This cohort study investigates the prevalence of peri-apical masses in wild and semi-wild Cape ground squirrels (Geosciurus inauris) and examines associated risk factors. Radiographic screening was conducted on 50 wild squirrels from Kimberley and 50 semi-wild squirrels from Johannesburg City Park Zoo. Data on dietary habits and incisor teeth trauma were collected and analyzed. Peri-apical masses were absent in all screened squirrels across both cohorts. Semi-wild squirrels consumed a low-fiber, pelleted diet, whereas wild squirrels foraged naturally. Minor incisor teeth trauma was observed, but showed no correlation with peri-apical mass development. The study's sample size, although statistically powered, may not capture rare conditions such as elodontomas or pseudo-odontomas. Additionally, the observational design limits causal inferences regarding potential risk factors. Peri-apical masses appear rare in wild and semi-wild Cape ground squirrels, contrasting with the higher incidence reported in captive rodents. The findings suggest that a low-fiber diet did not induce peri-apical masses associated with elodont incisor teeth in semi-wild squirrels. Further research, including controlled trials, is recommended to clarify the etiology of elodontomas, pseudo-odontomas, and dental dysplasia in rodents.