Age estimation of archaeological dogs using pulp cavity closure ratios

Age estimation in young dogs by radiographic assessment of the canine pulp cavity/tooth width ratio

“…No significant difference was found between the sexes, similar to the results of the majority of human studies (Kazmi et al, 2019;Marroquin et al, 2017) and some animal studies (Nomokonova et al, 2020;Park et al, 2014). A stronger but not significant correlation was found in neutered dogs.…”

“…We had no dogs between 448 and 531 days old, which could have raised the threshold age and placed it in the 448-531 days interval. In the oldest age groups above 1095 days, we only had teeth of six dogs or less for each age group, but this shortcoming can be overcome by supplementing our data with the more comprehensive data for these age groups from the study of Nomokonova et al (2020). While the differences between the left and right canine P/T ratios in the same dog were generally small, in practice, the assignment of a dog of unknown age to an age class should be based on measurements on both canine teeth whenever possible, to identify those dogs that are close to the transition of two age classes and to exclude unilateral aberrant values.…”

“…The degree of deposition can be analysed non‐invasively by measuring radiographic changes in the pulp cavity diameter, height or volume and has been proven reasonably accurate as a means for age estimation in wildlife studies (Cavallini & Santini, 1995; Dix & Strickland, 1986; Helldin, 1997; Kershaw et al., 2005; Knowlton & Whittemore, 2001; Landon et al., 1998; Mbizah et al., 2016; Root & Payne, 1984; Santymire et al., 2012; Tumlison & McDaniel, 1984; White et al., 2016) and studies of forensic anthropology and archaeology (De Luca et al., 2010; Drusini, 2008; Kvaal et al., 1995; Vandevoort et al., 2004; Vodanović et al., 2011). Surprisingly, only a few studies exist on the applicability of this method in the domestic dog (Marron et al., 2017; Morgan and Miyabayashi, 1991; Nomokonova et al., 2020).…”

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Age determination in dogs is important in many disciplines. For instance, in veterinary clinical practice, knowledge of the exact age of a dog can contribute to establishing a (better) differential diagnosis, prognosis and treatment (Gesierich et al, 2015;Tobias et al, 2000).In zooarchaeology, estimating the age at death of dogs on (bony) remains can give clues in understanding the process of their domestication and the roles dogs played in past societies (Nomokonova et al, 2020). Forensic age estimation, particularly of dogs involved in trade, is yet another application that is gaining more and more importance (Modina et al, 2019;Broeck & Cornillie, 2020).

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“…In zooarchaeology, estimating the age at death of dogs on (bony) remains can give clues in understanding the process of their domestication and the roles dogs played in past societies (Nomokonova et al, 2020). Forensic age estimation, particularly of dogs involved in trade, is yet another application that is gaining more and more importance (Modina et al, 2019;Broeck & Cornillie, 2020).…”