Epidemiological Study of Canine Teeth Fractures in Military Dogs

Abstract

An epidemiological study of canine teeth fractures was carried out on 142 military dogs. One in four dogs had one or more canine teeth that were fractured, and 66 of 568 (11.6%) canine teeth were fractured. Canine teeth fractures most often were oblique mesiodistally, and had exposed pulp. Generally, more than fifty per cent of the crown length was lost in fractured canine teeth. Canine teeth fractures most often occurred during attack exercises, or in the kennel as a result of abnormal chewing or biting behavior. Fracture of two or more canine teeth resulted in a decrease in the ability or willingness of the dogs to function as military dogs. In many cases, severe attrition (abrasive dentin and enamel lesions and cracks) were present prior to fracture of the teeth.