Measurement of Incisor Overjet and Physiological Diastemata Parameters in Quarter Horse Foals

Cephalometric studies are important to quantify abnormalities of jaw length and positioning. In this study, 4 to 7-month-old Quarter horse foals (n = 51) were examined to determine overjet (horizontal overlap) prevalence and measure the size of the physiological diastemata. Results were analyzed in relation to age, sex, and lineage. Another aim of this study was to develop a simple field technique for measuring incisor malocclusion and physiological diastemata dimensions that could be used to monitor the growth of the rostral components of maxilla, incisive bone, and mandible. The overall prevalence of overjet lesions in these foals was 51%. Females were overrepresented (61.5%). Overjet occurred more commonly in show foals (50% prevalence) than other working (7.7%) and race (42.3%) lineage foals. Significant differences were found between maxillary and mandibular physiological diastemata lengths in foals of all ages and, as expected, there was a positive statistical correlation between age and maxillary and mandibular physiological diastemata measurements. Incisor overjet was present in 44.4% of 4-month-old foals, 45.5% of 5-month-old foals, 58.3% of 6-month-old foals, and 60% of 7-month-old foals. There was a weak positive correlation between age and the presence of incisor overjet. It was concluded that incisor overiet was common among Quarter horse foals, especially those from show and race lineages. The field technique for physiological diastema measurements was considered effective.