An epidemiological survey on the prevalence of equine peripheral dental caries in the United Kingdom and possible risk factors for its development.

Summary

# Editorial Summary Equine peripheral caries—a destructive lesion affecting the outer layers of tooth structure—carries significant implications for dental longevity and equine welfare, yet prevalence data and causative factors remained poorly characterised in the UK population. Borkent and colleagues conducted a cross-sectional epidemiological survey examining horses presented for routine dental examination, documenting the presence and severity of peripheral caries whilst simultaneously collecting detailed information on management, diet, age, breed and other potential risk factors. The research revealed that peripheral caries was substantially more prevalent than previously recognised, with specific management and dietary variables demonstrating statistically significant associations with disease development—findings that directly challenge current assumptions about equine dental disease aetiology. For practitioners, these results provide evidence-based guidance on modifiable risk factors that may help clients implement preventive strategies, whilst reinforcing the importance of systematic intraoral examination to detect early-stage lesions before they compromise tooth integrity or trigger secondary fractures. The study establishes a robust epidemiological foundation for future investigation into the pathophysiology of this increasingly significant condition and highlights opportunities for evidence-based management protocols across equine practice.

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Key Findings

• •Equine peripheral caries is an increasingly recognised disorder causing premature dental wear and fractures with significant welfare implications
• •Little prevalence or severity data existed for UK horse populations at time of study
• •No established risk factor associations had been proven for the development of peripheral caries

Conditions Studied

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