Dental examination findings in two groups of Lithuanian horses with no history of dental prophylaxis or treatment

The purpose of this study was to report the results of clinical examination of the teeth in the ancient Žemaitukai horses and to compare these findings with the results of the Lithuanian heavy-drought horses. In total, fifty-one Žemaitukai horses had a complete dental examination. This is likely the first time dental examinations were performed in these horses. Clinical examination of the teeth of the horses was made to initiate their health care management. A Triadan tooth numbering system was used in order to document the findings and to analyse the results (Foster, 1996; Easley, 1999a). The main dental finds were sharp enamel points on maxillary and mandibular cheek teeth, rostral hooks, and wave mouth. Dental abnormalities in Žemaitukai horses (65) were found 1.6 times less compared with Lithuanian heavy drought horses (107). The results of this research suggest that it is purposeful to continue dental research for the whole population of Žemaitukai horses and Lithuanian heavy-drought horses as a part of their health-care program. This is important for the welfare of the horses and for keeping and sustaining these national Lithuanian breeds.