Hamadryas dental malocclusion

What is it?

Dental malocclusion is a misalignment between the upper and lower teeth of the jaw. In the hamadryas (Papio hamadryas), a baboon native to the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula often housed in zoos, this anomaly mainly affects the large canines and incisors. The teeth no longer fit together normally when the mouth closes. This can interfere with eating and abnormally wear away the enamel of the affected teeth.\nThis condition is not contagious. It is due to a mechanical problem or growth of the jaw.

The animal may chew more slowly or asymmetrically, favoring one side of the mouth.\nMore abundant salivation than usual is sometimes observed, as well as unpleasant breath linked to the accumulation of food debris between poorly positioned teeth.\nSigns of oral discomfort may appear: the animal touches its mouth, refuses certain hard foods, or gradually loses weight if food intake becomes insufficient.\nIn more severe cases, The gums around misaligned teeth may turn red, bleed, or develop small sores (ulcerations) from repeated rubbing.

Malocclusion can be of congenital origin, that is to say present from birth or appearing during the growth of the jaws and the eruption of teeth. Uneven growth between the upper and lower jaw is often the cause.\nIt can also be acquired, following a jaw fracture, premature tooth loss that changes the space available for other teeth, or abnormal growth of a tooth (supernumerary tooth or tooth that grows in the wrong direction).\nIn captive great apes and baboons, ancient practices such as clipping canine teeth can also disrupt dental alignment later.

Commonly observed signs

These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.

Prognosis

The prognosis is generally good when the malocclusion is identified early and managed appropriately. Mild forms often cause no noticeable discomfort and only require monitoring.\nMore severe forms, if neglected, can lead to chronic oral complications, but appropriate treatment most often preserves the comfort and feeding function of the animal.

Frequently asked questions

References

WSAVA — World Small Animal Veterinary Association

Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 23 September 2026