Use of a sustained release chlorhexidine varnish as treatment of oral necrobacillosis in Macropus spp.

Oral necrobacillosis or lumpy jaw is a common cause of morbidity and mortality affecting captive macropods. This article describes several cases of a new treatment regimen using a sustained release chlorhexidine varnish applied locally to the teeth and the gingivae of two Macropus species, eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus gigantus) from Gan-Garoo Australian Park and a red-necked wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus fruticus) from The Tisch Family Zoological Gardens in Jerusalem. The varnish was applied using a horsehair paint brush as three 1- to 2-mm thick layers. The active ingredient in the varnish was the disinfectant chlorhexidine. Results indicated that use of an intraoral sustained release varnish significantly shortens the treatment time and may prevent recurrence.