The Frequency of Acquired Dental Disorders and Diseases in Tanzanian Mixed Dog Breeds: Macroscopic and Radiologic Studies

Abstract

A macroscopic and radiologic investigation was carried out in 330 dogs of Tanzania mixed breeds, aged I day to 20 years, of these 54.6% were males. The study was carried out at Sokoine University Veterinary Clinic in Morogoro, Shaaban Robert Veterinary Clinic in Dar es Salaam and the Regional Veterinary Clinic in Iringa region. The type and frequency of dental disorders and diseases were determined in randomly selected dogs available for treatment or examination. The oral cavity was examined macroscopically, missing teeth, gingivitis, dental calculus (tartar), dental carries, abnormal attrition, dental discoloration, crown fractures; foreign bodies, Enamel hypoplasia and dental root exposure were recorded as to frequency and distribution. After macroscopic examination of the oral cavity dental radiography using the medio-lateral oblique view projection was done for every dog and both the right and left maxilla and mandible were radiographed. The frequency, distribution and severity of periapical destruction, apical and marginal periodontitis root resorption, root hypoplasia, pulpitis and pseudooligodontia were recorded. The most frequently noted disease was periodontitis (45%), which increased in frequency and severity with increasing age of the dogs. Root resorption was second on the list (32.4%). Others included abnormal and or excessive attrition (15.8%), Pseudooligodontia (15.2%), Fractured canine crown (I 1.2%); Caries (5.8%), Pulpitis (3.6%), dental deposits (3.3%), root hypoplasia (2.7%) and Enamel hypoplasia (1.2%). It is concluded from this study that acquired dental diseases and disorders are present in Tanzania mixed dog breeds, but most of the disorders are at lower frequency compared to other studies done in the temperate countries which involved European dog breeds.