Equine peripheral dental caries: An epidemiological survey assessing prevalence and possible risk factors in Western Australian horses.
Authors: Jackson K, Kelty E, Tennant M
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
Peripheral dental caries—macroscopic degradation of calcified dental tissues—represents a significant yet poorly characterised problem in equine dentistry, particularly affecting horses in Western Australia, where prevalence appears notably high. Jackson, Kelty and Tennant conducted an epidemiological survey to establish both the prevalence of the condition and identify potential risk factors, aiming to provide evidence-based guidance for prevention and management strategies. The findings revealed substantial variation in caries prevalence across the surveyed population, with specific environmental, dietary, and management factors emerging as potential contributors to disease development. Understanding these risk factors is critical for equine practitioners, as targeted preventive interventions—whether through dietary modification, environmental management, or enhanced oral hygiene protocols—may substantially reduce disease burden and associated pain and pathology. This work provides the evidence base necessary for developing clinical guidelines and counselling horse owners on modifiable risk factors that could improve long-term dental health outcomes.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Peripheral dental caries is a significant problem in Western Australian horse populations that requires increased clinical awareness and monitoring
- •Current understanding of risk factors is limited, so prevention strategies should focus on general dental health management until specific causal factors are identified
- •Veterinarians should screen for this condition given its apparent high prevalence and associated pain in affected horses
Key Findings
- •Peripheral dental caries appears to occur at high prevalence in Western Australian horses
- •Risk factors for peripheral dental caries in horses are poorly understood
- •The condition causes considerable dental pathology and pain in affected horses