Basic HTML Version
Loose/missing teeth
As teeth wear down towards the root, they may become
loose and displace into the soft tissues causing ulcers or
may fall out. In older patients, it is common to identify
movement in many of the teeth. Loose teeth do not
always require extraction and should be removed only
after careful veterinary assessment. Missing teeth can
lead to overgrowth of the opposing tooth which can
cause gum damage.
Incisor problems
The problems of wear and gum disease can also affect
the incisor teeth (the front teeth). Loss of, or damage to
these front incisors may affect the horse's ability to graze,
especially on short grass.
Aims of dentistry in older horses
Dentistry in the geriatric equine requires a sympathetic
approach and careful management.
Work carried out should involve:
l
the reduction of any sharp enamel points;
l
management of overgrowths;
l
assessment of loose teeth ;
l
examination and treatment of diastemata.
Dietary care
As horses and ponies get older and their teeth become
worn down, their ability to chew and eat long fibre, such
as hay, will reduce. Dietary changes must be considered
alongside routine dental care. It may be necessary to
replace some or all of the long fibre in the diet (hay or
haylage) with short-chop fibre, such as chaff, alfalfa,
high fibre cubes, grass nuts, etc. Grass is more easily
chewed than hay.
04
...Best Friends
Routine dental care
is essential for the
health care of the older horse.
Advanced dental treatment
is occasionally
required by a veterinary surgeon.