Prevalence and analysis of equine periodontal disease, diastemata and peripheral caries in a first-opinion horse population in the UK

Abstract

Equine dental disease remains a widespread affliction in domestic horses, with the potential to cause significant welfare problems. This retrospective study aimed to increase understanding of this aspect of equine health by examining dental records of 932 horses, taken from a 1-year period of first-opinion practice in south-western England and southern Wales. Three grossly-identifiable dental diseases were analysed: equine periodontal disease, diastemata and peripheral caries.The prevalence of active periodontal disease, diastemata and peripheral caries were 13.9%, 8.7% and 8.2%, respectively. Periodontal disease was more common in the mandibular than maxillary arcades (P<0.001) and in the premolar (06–08) than molar (09–11) cheek teeth (P<0.001). Diastemata were also observed more frequently in the mandibular than the maxillary arcades (P<0.001) and in premolar than molar cheek teeth (P<0.001). Peripheral caries were significantly more common in molar than premolar cheek teeth (P<0.001). A positive association was demonstrated between periodontal disease and diastemata (Exp(B)=4.22; P<0.001). Increasing age was a significant risk factor for periodontal disease (P<0.001) and diastemata (P<0.001). Sex was not conclusively established as a risk factor for any dental disease.