Simple Summary
Dental problems in dogs, particularly misalignment of teeth, are common but often not noticed during routine examinations. These conditions can lead to pain, difficulty eating, and long-term oral health issues. This study aimed to investigate how dental alignment varies among different dog breeds and skull shapes. We examined head scans from 92 dogs using advanced imaging that provides detailed three-dimensional views of the teeth and jaws. The results indicated that nearly half of the dogs had some form of tooth misalignment. Dogs with shorter and wider skulls were more likely to be affected, while dogs with longer skulls showed less problems. Therefore, small and flat-faced breeds were mostly at higher risk. These findings propose that traditional examination methods miss important dental problems and that more advanced imaging can improve detection. Understanding these differences is important for early diagnosis, better treatment, and improving the overall health and welfare of dogs. This study also highlights the need for more careful breeding practices and routine dental screening, mainly in breeds that are more prone to these conditions.
Abstract
Dental malocclusions are common and often underdiagnosed situations in dogs, which might result in oral trauma, impaired mastication, and periodontal disease. Nevertheless, scientific investigations into breed-specific variations in dentition remain scarce. To evaluate breed-specific dental variations in dogs, a retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 92 clinical canine head computed tomography (CT) scans obtained in Chengdu, China, representing a range of breeds and skull morphologies. Dental alignment and occlusal relationships were calculated using standardized malocclusion classification criteria. As a result, malocclusions were found and identified in 46.7% of dogs. Among them, brachycephalic breeds indicated a high prevalence of malocclusion, with Shiba Inu dogs demonstrating the highest malocclusion rate (66.7%), whereas Golden Retrievers and Akitas showed the lowest prevalence (16.7%). Class I malocclusions characterized by dental crowding were most common (44.19%), followed by Class II malocclusions (overbite) (30.23%), and Class III malocclusions (underbite) (20.93%). Our findings demonstrated a strong association between skull morphology and dental alignment abnormalities.