Wear and microwear on the teeth of a moose (Alces alces) population in Manitoba, Canada

A group of wild moose from Manitoba, Canada, were documented as having excessive tooth wear. Replicas of one incisor tooth were collected from 16 individuals and from 19 controls for comparison by volumetric and scanning electron microscopic analysis. All animals were aged from tooth cementum lines. Tooth replicas were cast from silicone rubber impressions in epoxy resin and sputter coated with gold. Tooth wear with age was compared statistically by measuring crown height, percent tooth loss, interfacet distance, and facet area on the incisors. The unique pattern of wear on the anterior teeth of affected moose was described. In affected animals, crown heights were significantly reduced and percent tooth loss was excessive. Microwear analysis found that an abrasive agent, acting predominantly in a lingual to labial direction, had been responsible for loss of enamel and dentine incisally and interproximally, and on the facial and lingual surfaces to a lesser extent. Interdental facets became involved by vertical abrasion. Control teeth showed fewer but coarser scratches and only approached the pattern of wear found in affected moose in a few individuals in old age. The loss of tooth structure would lead to diminished cropping efficiency and damage to the periodontium.