As a dog owner, you want nothing but the best for your furry friend. That includes dental care, such as keeping their teeth and gums healthy so they can enjoy a longer and happy life by your side. Unfortunately, some dogs are born with developmental abnormalities that can impact their oral health.
What Are Developmental Abnormalities in Dogs?
Developmental abnormalities are defined as any structural changes that occur during the embryonic or fetal stage of development. These changes can result from genes, the environment, or a combination of both. Developmental abnormalities can affect any body area, including the mouth and teeth.
Common Developmental Abnormalities in Dogs
Elongated Soft Palate
This is a condition where the soft palate (the fleshy tissue at the back of the roof of the mouth) is too long. It happens when the muscles and tissues making up the soft palate do not develop properly in utero. Elongated soft palates are common in brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds such as pugs and boxers. They can cause difficulty breathing and make your dog more prone to snoring and sleep apnea.
Cleft Palate
This opening in the roof of the mouth occurs when the tissues do not fuse together properly during development. It can cause eating and drinking problems, as well as difficulty breathing. Cleft palates affect certain breeds more than others, such as bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and Shih Tzus.
Underbite
This is a condition where the lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper jaw. Genetic factors can cause it, or it may result from trauma to the teeth or jaws. Underbites are more common in certain breeds, such as pugs and bulldogs.
An underbite can cause difficulty eating and drinking, leading to gum disease. Your dog may need to have their teeth cleaned more often if they have an underbite.
Dental Abnormalities
Dental abnormalities are common in dogs and can be caused by genetic factors or poor dental care. Common dental problems include:
- Crowding. This is a condition when the teeth do not have enough space to erupt properly. Genetics or trauma to the teeth or jaws may cause crowding, which is more common in certain breeds, such as pugs, Boston Terriers, Shi Tzus, and bulldogs. Crowding can lead to periodontal disease.
- Malocclusion. Malocclusion is when the teeth do not meet properly when the jaws are closed. This can be due to genetics, or it may result from trauma to the teeth or jaws. Malocclusion is more common in certain breeds, such as pugs, Boston Terriers, Shi Tzus, and bulldogs. Malocclusion can lead to periodontal disease.
- Missing teeth. A missing tooth is a condition where one or more teeth are absent. Genetics or trauma to the teeth or jaws can cause this problem. Toys and miniature poodles are prone to this condition, leading to gum disease.
- Tooth resorption. Tooth resorption is a condition where the body absorbs the tooth root. Genetics and trauma to the teeth or jaws can cause this abnormality. Tooth resorption is more common in certain breeds, such as Yorkshire terriers. Tooth resorption can lead to periodontal disease.
- Oral tumors. Oral tumors are growths that develop in the mouth. They can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Oral tumors are more common in certain breeds, such as boxers and bulldogs. These can cause difficulty eating and drinking and lead to gum disease.
What’s the Link Between Developmental Abnormalities and Oral Health?
Developmental abnormalities can have a significant impact on your dog’s oral health. For example, missing teeth can lead to problems with eating and chewing. Additionally, malformed or misplaced teeth can cause tooth alignment issues and increase cavities and gum disease risk.
If your dog has a cleft palate, they may have difficulty eating and drinking, leading to malnutrition. In severe cases, developmental abnormalities can cause life-threatening respiratory problems.
Regular visits to a reputable and experienced vet clinic, such as Oceanside Veterinary Hospital, and good dental care at home are essential for keeping your dog’s mouth healthy. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any changes in your dog’s mouth or teeth.
Can Specialists Fix Developmental Abnormalities?
Developmental abnormalities can be fixed by specialists such as orthodontists and oral surgeons. They can help correct crowding, malocclusion, and missing teeth. If your dog has BAOS, they may also need to see a veterinarian specializing in respiratory issues.
Your dog’s oral health is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Be sure to brush your dog’s teeth regularly and take them to the vet for dental check-ups. Choose a vet clinic or hospital with lab tests, complete facilities, and specialists, such as dog internal medicine, surgeon, dentist, etc.
