Equine peripheral dental caries and associated pathology: An epidemiological, gross and histopathological assessment and evidence for their cause and treatment

Equine peripheral caries or 'tooth decay' can cause significant pain and morbidity in affected horses and has a prevalence of almost 60% in Western Australian horses. This research aimed to identify risk factors and assess whether the condition could be treated by removing these factors. Oaten hay, rain water and dam water, thoroughbred horses, having minimal access to pasture and periodontal disease were all found to be risk factors. Recovery from peripheral caries with dietary modification was shown to be possible and a new grading system was developed to assist clinicians to determine whether the decay is currently active.