Enamel Hypoplasia in Dogs

Category: Oral & Dental
Breeds documented: 2
Published sources: 8

Overview

Teeth affected by enamel hypoplasia have too little enamel, the hard outer covering of the tooth. The problem develops while the tooth is forming and may follow illness, fever, injury or infection; some forms are inherited. Affected surfaces may look rough, stained or partly bare. These rough areas can collect plaque, while exposed softer tooth tissue is more vulnerable to wear.

Signs to watch for

Rough or pitted tooth surfaces
Discolored patches on affected teeth
Areas where the tooth covering looks thin or missing

The defect forms during tooth development and may become visible in young dogs.

When to get help Book a veterinary dental visit when teeth look discolored or damaged.

Diagnosis and tests

A veterinary dental assessment may include examination under anesthesia and dental X-rays to assess affected teeth. Microscopic tissue examination may be needed to distinguish missing enamel from enamel that did not harden normally. A DNA test can identify the inherited Italian Greyhound form and its carriers, but this test covers that specific variant.

Breeds with documented risk

2 breeds

By breed size

1 Small
1 Medium

Italian GreyhoundSmall · Toy Group
Akita InuMedium · Miscellaneous Class

Inheritance

Not yet known
None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.