Inventarisatie van tandheelkundige afwijkingen en de mate van gebitsverzorging bij honden en katten aangeboden bij de UKG

Abstract

This survey assesses the dental problems of 118 dogs and 25 cats, brought to the Utrecht University Clinic for Companion Animals with non-dental problems. Apart from this, the degree of home care by owners is investigated as well as the role of the veterinarian as dental care advisor. Firstly relevant literature will be discussed after which the outcomes of the survey are elaborated upon. The results of this study are compared with results of two previous studies by Molenbroek (1996) and Rem and Smeets (1993). This study has come up with a number of remarkable findings. First, there is a high percentage of animals with gingivitis: in 77% of the dogs and 96% of the cats gingivitis could be determined. Second, dental problems (e.g. mobile elements and deep pockets) occur significantly more often in brachycephalic dogs. Third, more owners feed their dogs dry food in comparison with 1993. Fourth, dental treatment has never been carried out in more than half of the dogs (57,5%) and 36% of the cats. Lastly, 81% of the veterinary practices advises owners to brush their pets’ teeth. The results will be discussed at the end of this report.