Catch in the Canine : A preliminary study

Abstract

Introduction : Caries is an effect of microbial                   organisms on the tooth. It is considered as the major                 hindrance to the living beings and a major challenge for the dentists as well. The effect of caries is widely known and animals are not an exception to it. Our study confirms the prevalence of dental disorders in dogs and need in                     improving effectiveness of treatment concentrating the                diagnostic efforts on breeds of dogs. Aim:  To assess the prevalence of caries amongst breeds of dogs. Methods:                 A total of 104 dogs of varying breed where taken into                   consideration. The subjects, ranged from Labrador variety up to Pug. The subjects were directly visualized and a                complete oral screening was done. Modified DMFT index was used to record the assessed data. The statistical results were interpreted using the NPar, Kruskal-Willis,T-Test, Mann-Whitney tests. Results: The statistical analysis was done between groups and within groups of the breeds. The        grouping variables taken into consideration were breed, diet,               gender and the caries prevalence and index were calculated for them. From the analysis it is seen that there were                 significant variations in between groups (i.e.), there was a significant variation in the presence of caries in between breeds than within the breeds (df = 2, x² = 15.514,                         p = 0.048). It’s also found that despite the gender the prevalence was the same (t = -1.382, df = 102, p = 0.170).                   Conclusion: By direct oral screening it is concluded that despite gender and age, there is caries prevalence along with the conclusion that there are significant prevalence of caries in between breeds and not within the breeds.