Clinical dental examinations of 357 donkeys in the UK. Part 2: epidemiological studies on the potential relationships between different dental disorders, and between dental disease and systemic disorders.
Authors: du Toit N, Burden F A, Dixon P M
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary du Toit, Burden & Dixon's examination of 357 donkeys from a UK sanctuary revealed significant associations between dental pathology and systemic health outcomes that mirror patterns documented in equine populations. The researchers conducted prospective cross-sectional clinical assessments, recording dental abnormalities alongside body condition scoring, weight history, feeding protocols and colic episodes, then performed multiple regression analyses to identify correlations. Dental disease emerged as a statistically significant risk factor for weight loss, poor body condition, colic episodes and reliance on supplemental feeding, with older donkeys demonstrating higher prevalence of both dental disorders and associated systemic problems. Notably, several dental conditions—diastemata, periodontal disease, wave mouth, smooth mouth and step mouth—clustered together, suggesting that primary pathologies may perpetuate secondary abnormalities and create a cascade of progressive oral deterioration. The welfare implications are substantial: timely intervention and effective treatment of early dental disorders could interrupt this pathogenic cycle, potentially reducing the incidence of secondary complications such as weight loss and colic, making routine dental assessment and proactive management a critical component of donkey healthcare.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Regular dental examinations and treatment in donkeys are critical preventive health measures that reduce systemic disease risk and improve welfare outcomes
- •Early intervention in dental disorders prevents cascade effects where one dental problem promotes development of multiple other abnormalities
- •Donkeys presenting with weight loss, poor condition, or colic history should receive comprehensive dental evaluation as dental disease is a significant contributing factor
Key Findings
- •Dental disease was significantly associated with weight loss, colic, low body condition score, and need for supplemental feeding in donkeys
- •Older donkeys were more likely to have dental disease, poor body condition, and history of colic episodes
- •Diastemata, periodontal disease, wave mouth, smooth mouth, and step mouth frequently co-occur and promote development of other dental abnormalities
- •Effective dental treatment can slow progression of dental disease and reduce risk of secondary medical disorders such as colic and weight loss