Carnivores

Carnivores have a ginglymic jaw action, with transverse mandibular condyles, resembling a hinge action. The carnivore diet is primarily meat. Lions and Tigers are the most specialized of carnivores. This chapter provides a description of taxonomy, type of dentition, number of teeth, dental formula, and skull and dental anatomy of cat family. Bite force is invaluable for all species especially, rather extensively, in carnivores. Bite forces have their downside with tooth fracture, such as long axis coronal fractures in tigers. Bite forces have been measured in many ways on different exotics, from reptiles to herbivores. The bite force of canine teeth is 30 % (30%) less than the bite force of carnassial teeth. This becomes somewhat critical in prey capture. This chapter provides a description of taxonomy, type of dentition, number of teeth, dental formula, and skull and dental anatomy of various big cats. The cats covered are California bobcat, Canadian Acinonox, caracal Acinonox, European lynx Acinonox, cheetah, cougar, jaguar, liger, lion, serval, and tiger. Designed as a practical resource for treating exotic animals, the chapter is filled with instructive photographs and illustrations. Written for zoo and wildlife caretakers and veterinarians, veterinary dentists, veterinary technicians, and veterinary students, it is a practical resource that has information for the dental care of a wide range of animal species that are all too often neglected. This chapter provides a detailed description of taxonomy, type of dentition, number of teeth, dental formula, and skull and dental anatomy of various small cats. The cats covered are African wild cat, domestic cat, fishing cat, jungle cat, ocelot, Pallas cat, and Savanah. Designed as a practical resource for treating exotic animals, the chapter is filled with instructive photographs and illustrations. Written for zoo and wildlife caretakers and veterinarians, veterinary dentists, veterinary technicians, and veterinary students, it is a practical resource that has information for the dental care of a wide range of animal species that are all too often neglected.