Post mortem survey of dental disorders in 349 donkeys from an aged population (2005-2006). Part 2: epidemiological studies.

This research examines dental disorders in aged donkeys and their associations with age, body condition, last dental treatment, diet, and the illnesses leading to euthanasia or death. Dental disorders were found with high prevalence and were correlated with age, cheek teeth conditions, and colic, which emphasizes the need for regular preventative oral care in aged donkeys.

Research Background

• The research began by acknowledging the recent identification of dental disorders as a significant concern in the health and welfare of donkeys.
• Prior to this study, no investigation had explored potential correlations between dental disorders and factors such as management, age, physical condition, feeding methods, duration since last dental check, and intercurrent illness.
• The authors proposed to investigate these associations by conducting a post mortem examination of donkeys subjected to euthanasia.

Research Methodology

• A total of 349 donkeys, mainly of older age with a median estimated age of 31 years, were examined post mortem over an 18-month period from 2005 to 2006.
• The study documented the type and prevalence of dental disorders.
• Simultaneously, data was collected on the estimated age of the donkeys, body condition scores, supplemental feed they might have received, the time since their last dental treatment, and the nature of any intercurrent disease.
• The data was subjected to multivariable analysis to paint a comprehensive picture of associations between factors and specific dental disorders.

Research Findings

• The donkeys had a high prevalence of significant dental disease at 93.4%.
• Analysis indicated that age was significantly associated with the presence of dental disorders with older age being a risk factor for the existence of cheek teeth diastemata (gaps or spaces between the teeth).
• There was a considerable connection between the presence of these diastemata and missing or displaced and worn cheek teeth.
• The study also found a significant association between the presence of diastemata and the occurrence of colic in the donkeys.

Conclusion and Implications

• The research concluded that aged donkeys are highly susceptible to dental disorders, especially in regard to cheek teeth diastemata.
• Further, the presence of these diastemata was significantly associated with colic, implying that dental health may be a determining factor in overall health condition.
• The authors suggested that routine, preventative dental treatments should be prioritized, particularly in the care of older donkeys to protect their overall health and well-being.