Type and frequency of dental conditions in dogs and donkeys in Kenya

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the prevalence, clinical features and interventions for dental conditions affecting dogs and donkeys. Two hundred and thirty five dogs from the University of Nairobi, Small Animal Clinic were used. Dental history was taken, physical and dental examination done and the findings recorded in Modified Triadan charts. Dental conditions were classified into three categories; periodontal, endodontic and miscellaneous. Dental radiology was also performed in twelve dogs with periodontal disease and oral tumors, under general anaesthesia, using conventional mobile x-ray equipment. Dental radiographs were obtained with 55kV, lOmAs and a focal length of 40 cm. The technique was used to assess the alveolar crestal bone, the periodontal ligament, the lamina dura, periapical radiolucency, tooth roots, and other non-odontogenic changes. Dental intervention procedures were then carried out in selected dogs using manual dental instruments and soft tissue surgery techniques. One thousand, two hundred and eleven donkeys from the KSPCA clinics in Nairobi, Limuru, Kiambu, Bomet, Nyahururu, Maai-Mahiu, Nanyuki, Mweiga and Rumuruti were used in the study. Dental history and findings on physical and dental examination were recorded in Modified Triadan charts. Clinical examination and treatment interventions were done under manual restraint. xvi Sixty-eightdogs had various dental conditions, indicating a prevalence rate of28.9%. Of these cases, the most frequently observed periodontal conditions were; dental plaque (89.7%), gingivitis (76.5%), halitosis (69.1%), and dental calculi (64.7%). Periodontitis (35.1%), gingival recession (25.0%), periodontal pockets (23.5%), and mobile teeth (16.2%), were less frequently observed. The most common endodontic conditions were pulp exposures (32.4%), fractured teeth (20.6%), and dental caries (19.1%) some of which showed radiographic changes (17.6%). Missing teeth due to periodontal disease or lack of eruption (7.4%), and dental fistulas (2.9%) occurred infrequently. Miscellaneous teeth conditions were malaligned teeth (7.4%), retained deciduous teeth (5.9%), and supernumerary teeth (1.5%). Other signs associated with dental conditions included; regional lymphadenopathy (8.8%), soft tissue trauma (5.9%), brachygnathism (5.9%), alterations in extra oral structures, such as asymmetry (5.9%), oral tumors (2.9%), and glossitis (2.9%). Radiographic diagnoses were made for teeth fractures, periodontal disease, dental abscesses and oral tumors. Dental procedures performed in the dog included; dental scaling, manual polishing, subgingival curettage (root planing), and extractions. Soft tissue surgery involved gingivectomy, restorative cheiloplasty and antidrool cheiloplasty. Oral antisepsis and systemic antibiotic treatment were used adjunctively. One hundred and forty nine donkeys representing a prevalence of 12.3% had various dental conditions. The most frequently observed dental conditions were wave mouth (18.8%), dental calculi (12.9%), enamel caps (11.8%) and incisor conditions (9.4%) such as retained (persistent) deciduous incisors, abnormal eruption, excessive wear, and fractures. Conditions that occurred in moderate frequency included sharp enamel edges XVll (8.8%), dental calculi with gingivitis (8.2%), step mouth (7.1 %) and hooks on premolars (7.1%). The least frequent dental conditions were loose teeth (4.7%), discolored teeth (4.7%), swelling on mandible (1.8%), necrotising stomatitis (1.8%), gingival hyperplasia (1.2%), traumatic cheilitis (1.2%) and maxillary swelling (0.6%). Dental rasping was carried out to correct conditions due to abnormal wear such as wave mouth and sharp enamel edges. Extraction was carried out for enamel caps, loose teeth, and shedding incisors. Oral sanitization was done for cases with necrotising stomatitis and traumatic cheilitis. This study has documented the prevalence, clinical features and interventions for dental conditions in dogs and donkeys. The data is useful in highlighting the nature and frequency of dental conditions encountered in these species. Conventional x-ray equipment was also adapted successfully for dental radiology and proved an invaluable aid in diagnosis of endodontic conditions in dogs. Successful intervention techniques for dental conditions in the two species were also performed. The application of the findings of this study by veterinarians, animal scientists and owners should enhance the health and welfare status of these animals in Kenya.