Prevalence and some clinical characteristics of equine cheek teeth diastemata in 471 horses examined in a UK first-opinion equine practice (2008 to 2009).
Authors: Walker H, Chinn E, Holmes S, Barwise-Munro L, Robertson V, Mould R, Bradley S, Shaw D J, Dixon P M
Journal: The Veterinary record
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Equine Cheek Teeth Diastemata — A Common but Underrecognised Problem Nearly half of horses presenting for routine dental examination harbour cheek teeth diastemata, according to a year-long study of 471 animals in a UK first-opinion practice, with prevalence increasing markedly with age. The research identified diastemata in 49.9 per cent of the population, averaging 1.7 lesions per affected horse, predominantly affecting the mandibular cheek teeth (83.5 per cent) and most commonly the 07–08 interproximal space. Valve-type diastemata (where tissues collapse into the gap) were substantially more prevalent than open diastemata at 72.1 per cent versus 27.9 per cent, though horses over 15 years showed a significant shift towards open lesions; notably, food trapping occurred in over 91 per cent of cases and secondary periodontal disease was widespread, with gingivitis present in 34.2 per cent and periodontal pocketing in 43.7 per cent. The strong association with halitosis (present in 45.5 per cent of affected horses) and the high prevalence of secondary inflammatory changes suggest that diastemata warrant routine assessment and active management to prevent progression to clinically significant periodontal disease and oral dysfunction. These findings indicate that diastemata are far more common than previously recognised in clinical practice and should prompt regular monitoring and early intervention, particularly in older horses.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Nearly half of all horses will have cheek teeth diastemata, so routine dental screening should identify and manage these lesions to prevent secondary periodontitis and halitosis
- •Mandibular diastemata at the 07-08 position require particular attention during dental examinations and may benefit from preventive or therapeutic intervention
- •The high prevalence of food trapping (>90%) means affected horses require regular monitoring and possibly dietary or management modifications to reduce complications
Key Findings
- •Cheek teeth diastemata were present in 49.9% of horses examined, with prevalence increasing with age
- •Mandibular teeth were affected in 83.5% of cases, with the 07-08 position most commonly involved
- •Valve diastemata were significantly more common (72.1%) than open diastemata (27.9%)
- •Food trapping occurred in 91.4% of diastemata cases, with gingivitis and periodontal pockets present in 34.2% and 43.7% respectively