Dental Caries in the Dog

The dental records of 435 dogs seen in a dental referral practice were reviewed. Twenty-three dogs (5.3%) had one or more caries lesions. Of the 47 caries lesions, 19 (40%) were pit and fissure caries, 17 (36%) were smooth surface caries, and 11 (23%) were root caries. Twelve dogs had symmetrical lesions. The teeth most commonly involved were the fourth premolar and first and second molar teeth. Twenty affected teeth were extracted and 17 were treated by cavity preparation and restoration with composite or glass ionomer materials. Ten restorations in four dogs were examined one year or more following treatment; all of the restorations were intact and there was no progression of the caries.