Journal of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
(ISSN: 2659 – 0743)
Volume 7, No. 2, 2025
Pages 322-333
DOI: 10.36108/jvbs/5202.70.0250
Age-Related Dental Erosion in a Female Chimpanzee from Jos Zoo, Plateau State, Nigeria
Rimfa, AG1, Egbetade, AO2, Barde, IJ1, Akanbi, OB3, Atuman, YJ1, Meseko, CA1, Makama, SL1, Ahmed, JS1, Choji, TPP1, Abraham, P5, Gungbias A5, Mary O5, Hanga, AB8, Abubakar, AB4, Bamaiyi, PH6, and Kudi, AC7
1National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria
2Department of Veterinary Medicine, COLVET, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
3Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ilorin, Nigeria
4The Nigerian Police Force (Force Headquarters), Abuja, Nigeria
5Jos Zoological Garden, Plateau State, Nigeria.
6Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
7Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
8Gwale Veterinary Reference Laboratory, Ministry for Livestock Development, Kano State, Nig.
ABSTRACT
This case-report described the presentation of age-related dental erosion in a 60-year-old female chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) housed at Jos Zoo, Plateau State, Nigeria. The animal exhibited extensive enamel loss, with characteristic dentine exposure and altered tooth morphology. Postmortem examination revealed generalized progressive dental erosion and exposure of the swollen gingival surface; indicative of advanced dental wear. The observed dental erosion is attributed to a combination of intrinsic factors associated with aging, such as decreased salivary flow rate, alterations in enamel resilience, and reduced reparative capacity, as well as extrinsic factors including dietary composition, particularly the intake of high-sugar or abrasive foods and environmental conditions within captivity that may accelerate wear. These findings highlight the critical need for routine oral health assessments, tailored dietary management, and proactive veterinary interventions to prevent pain, secondary infections, and further deterioration, thereby enhancing the welfare of aging primates. This case underscores the importance of integrating dental care into comprehensive health management protocols for elderly non-human primates and provides insights into the pathogenesis of dental erosion in captive settings.
Keywords: Dental Erosion, Chimpanzee, Jos zoo, Dental care, Nigeria.