[The effect of age on the periodontal status of the golden Syrian hamster (morphologic research)].

In 10 male Syrian golden hamsters at the age of 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 months each the two first lower molars have been evaluated histomorphologically to get an exact statement about the spontaneous illness rate of our used animals. In this connection efforts were made to classify the histopathological lesions into initial, early, established and advanced lesions in accordance with Page and Schroeder (1976). Altogether occurred 4 initial, 64 early and 32 established lesions in 100 examined golden hamster molars. In no case advanced lesions have been stated. Referring to the various age groups a regular periodontal progression was not detectable. Histologically healthy marginal periodontium could not been found in the conventional Syrian golden hamster. Similar examinations have this to consider.