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91% of Wild Muskoxen Examined Had Enamel Cracks in the Canadian Arctic

Two muskoxen standing in snow in Alaska
Research · Anatomy & morphology

A study first published on 17 August 2026 found a high prevalence of incisor abnormalities in wild muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) from the Canadian Arctic. Researchers examined 243 mandibles collected from harvested animals through the Community-Based Wildlife Health Surveillance program in Nunavut, Canada and the Northwest Territories. All were examined macroscopically, and a subset of 136 was also examined with radiography.

Enamel cracks and crown fractures were widespread

Linear cracks in the enamel on the inner side of the incisors were the most common finding, occurring in 222 of 243 animals, or 91.4%. Complicated crown fractures affecting at least one incisor were found in 123 animals, or 50.6%. Abrasion on the front surface of the enamel extended into dentine in 26.3% of the muskoxen and, in severe cases, reached the pulp.

Radiographs revealed extensive disease below the visible crown

Other common abnormalities included rotated incisors in 31.3% of animals, crowding in 21.8% and an unerupted fourth incisor in 18.9%. Radiographs from 136 animals showed endodontic disease—changes affecting the tooth pulp and tissues around the root—in 75.0% of the examined animals, while root fractures were found in 52.9%. Congenitally absent teeth and several less common abnormalities were also recorded.

The authors describe this as the first comprehensive characterization of incisor lesions and developmental abnormalities in wild muskoxen. Because the mandibles came from subsistence and sport harvests, they note that apparently healthy animals may have been sampled preferentially, which could underestimate the prevalence or severity of dental disease in the wider population.

Sources and image credit

  1. Suitor, E. A., Rothenburger, J. L., Scheels, J., Mavrot, F., Whiteside, D. P., Ekaluktutiak Hunters and Trappers Organization, Kugluktuk Angoniatit Association, Olokhaktomiut Hunters and Trappers Organization, Leclerc, L.-M., & Kutz, S. J. (2026). Incisor pathology in wild muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) from the Canadian Arctic. Veterinary Pathology. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/03009858261472491Primary peer-reviewed research article, first published online 17 August 2026. Gross and radiographic examination of 243 mandibles collected from harvested wild muskoxen through community-based wildlife health surveillance in the Canadian Arctic.

Image: Two muskoxen in snow in Alaska, photographed 31 May 2005. Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Public Domain. Representative image; not animals sampled in the Canadian Arctic dental study. · Public Domain · Source

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