Tooth Elongation of Maxillary Second Premolars and Mandibular Third Molars and Associated Periodontal Disease in Horses: A Retrospective Study.

Periodontal disease has been identified in horses and donkeys through the millennia at a prevalence of up to 75% and is a leading cause of tooth loss in horses. We hypothesize that there is a correlation between tooth elongations and periodontal disease. Dental records of all client owned horses examined by a single AVDC/equine board certified practitioner in 2016-2018 were analyzed. Inclusion criteria consisted of the examination finding of tooth elongation of one of the following teeth pairs 106/107, 206/207, 310/311, or 410-411. The included cases were then examined for the finding of periodontal disease in Stages 1-4 (PD 1-4). Bayesian correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlations of elongations and periodontal disease existed between PD1 and proximal tooth pairs 106-107 and 206-207, PD2 and PD4 with all four tooth pairs, and PD3 with 106-107. Clinically, early diagnosis and treatment of newly formed elongations, or prevention of their formation altogether through diligent dental prophylaxis could prove key in preservation of teeth through prevention of the associated development of periodontal disease in the horse.