Longitudinal Evaluation of Permanent Dental Anomalies in a Group of Yorkshire Terriers Referred for Dental Consultation.

Abstract

Oral and dental diseases are among the most common problems observed in small-breed dogs. The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the breeds that most often exhibits oral disease at an early stage, namely, periodontal disease as well as persistent deciduous teeth. The present study aims to describe and analyze primary dental-skeletal anomalies in Yorkshire Terrier dogs aged <2 years, observed in referral dentistry practices, between 2015 and 2024. Dogs with full-mouth dental radiographs and charting were included. Dental agenesis, malocclusions and crowding, persistent deciduous teeth, and shape anomalies were the most frequent findings. Agenesis was mostly encountered in mandibular third molars (90% of dogs, 53 of 183 missing teeth) and was significantly associated with the presence of fused roots in the second molars (P = .0006). Shape abnormalities included microdontia, dilaceration, and fused roots. The previously described bilateral carnassial tooth malformations were observed in 10% of individuals. Eruption anomalies were significantly associated with malocclusion (P = .008). Although these results were based on a convenience sample referred for dental consultation and cannot be extrapolated for the overall population, they show a tendency, which can be a reflection of the dogs' reduced size. Hypodontia and oligodontia in these breeds are possibly an advantage, which can decrease occurrence and severity of malocclusions.