Equine Dentistry Equine Dentistry The importance of proper equine dental care The importance of proper equine dental care
The Basics of Horse Anatomy The Basics of Horse Anatomy Oral Anatomy Oral Anatomy Equine Chewing Equine Chewing Cycle Cycle Age- -Related Facts Related Facts Age
From Ancient to Modern Horse From Ancient to Modern Horse Horses were forest animals Horses were forest animals � 55 million years ago (Eohippus-the dawn horse) � Small (50 lbs) � Short, square brachydont teeth � Diet of succulent forage � Five toes
From Ancient to Modern Horse From Ancient to Modern Horse Evolved/adapted to live on grasslands Evolved/adapted to live on grasslands � Began in North America � 32 extinct genera � 150 species of fossil horses � 4.5 million years ago, now a single toe � Reintroduced to North America 16 th century
Modern Horse Modern Horse Skull of a draft horse Skull of a draft horse
Oral Anatomy Oral Anatomy Equine tooth made of— � Cementum � Dentin � Enamel � Allows tooth to be self-sharpening Each arcade has— � 3 incisors, 3 premolars, 3 molars � May have one canine � May have one vestigial pre-molar (wolf tooth)
Oral Anatomy Oral Anatomy � Abrasive foodstuffs. � Long crowned teeth. � All cheek teeth molar-like.
Eruption Times of Equine Teeth Eruption Times of Equine Teeth � At birth, foal’s face cannot accommodate full complement of teeth. � 3 deciduous incisors erupt starting from the center at 7 days, 7 weeks and 7 months. � All 12 deciduous premolars present at birth or erupt soon after. � Molars do not have a deciduous precursor. � Molars erupt at 1, 2 and 3.5 years.
Eruption Times of Equine Teeth Eruption Times of Equine Teeth Permanent incisors (center � to corner) replace their deciduous precursors at: 2.5 years 2.5 years � � 3.5 years 3.5 years � � 4.5 years 4.5 years � � Deciduous premolars are � replaced at: 2.5 years 2.5 years � � 2 years, 8 months 2 years, 8 months � � 3 years, 8 months 3 years, 8 months � �
Eruption Times of Equine Teeth Eruption Times of Equine Teeth � In 2 years, 24 deciduous teeth are replaced by permanent counterparts. � Scrutiny of the horse’s mouth is important during this time.
Eruption Times of Equine Teeth Eruption Times of Equine Teeth � Canines (fighting teeth) usually erupt at 4 – 6 years in males. Often absent or rudimentary in mares. � Wolf teeth (vestigial 1 st premolars) usually erupt at 6-12 months of age. � Neither of these teeth serve a purpose in chewing.
Why Horses Need Dental Care Why Horses Need Dental Care Goals of Proper Goals of Proper Equine Dental Care Equine Dental Care What about the What about the Wild Horse? Wild Horse? Elements of the Elements of the Dental Exam Dental Exam
Goals of Proper Equine Dental Care Goals of Proper Equine Dental Care � Thorough oral exam necessary � Abnormality � Acquired disease � Optimize jaw and mouth function � Remove excessive chewing forces on Remove excessive chewing forces on � individual teeth (malocclusions) individual teeth (malocclusions) � Preserve tooth structure (equilibrate eruption) Preserve tooth structure (equilibrate eruption) � � Prevent periodontal disease Prevent periodontal disease � � Alleviate pain � Address any issues preventing horse from functioning at optimum level
Goals of Proper Equine Dental Care Goals of Proper Equine Dental Care Make dentistry a regular element of good health care— � Prevent early Prevent early � problems from problems from becoming lifelong, becoming lifelong, expensive expensive � Find hidden, painful Find hidden, painful � problems to problems to alleviate suffering alleviate suffering � Allow horses to Allow horses to � keep functional keep functional teeth for entire lives teeth for entire lives
Elements of the Dental Exam Elements of the Dental Exam � Treat the whole horse � Have, know how to use proper equipment � Thorough knowledge of equine surgery, medicine and dentistry � Have access to additional diagnostics
Elements of the Dental Exam Elements of the Dental Exam Most important? � Interest, desire, education, proper training. The mouth is only a � part of the whole horse. General exam and � evaluation of the whole horse. Not unusual to find � other significant health issues. “4% of horses examined don 4% of horses examined don’ ’t get dentistry that day, t get dentistry that day,” ” says Bob Gregory, DVM says Bob Gregory, DVM “
Elements of the Dental Exam Elements of the Dental Exam History � Physical exam � Sedation � Full mouth speculum � Bright light source � Correct equipment � (mirror, cheek retractor, picks, etc.) Access to additional � diagnostics (lab, X- ray, MRI)
Popular Myths about Dental Care Popular Myths about Dental Care “Young horses don’t need dental care.” “Wild horses don’t get dental care so mine don’t need it.” “Horses only need dental care every few years.” “I am able to tell when my horse needs dental care.”
The Facts about Proper Dental Care The Facts about Proper Dental Care Birth to 2 years— Evaluate to determine if everything developed correctly. 2-5 years— Evaluate to determine if all permanent teeth erupted as they should. 5-20 years— Regular checkups to make sure no disease or injury threatens the health of the horse. Geriatrics— Evaluate to ensure horse can eat properly, not in pain, answer questions on feeding a geriatric horse. All ages benefit from regular dental exams! All ages benefit from regular dental exams!
Who Should Provide Dental Care Who Should Provide Dental Care A Team Approach A Team Approach Veterinary Veterinary Education Education Myths and Facts Myths and Facts Licensed Veterinary Licensed Veterinary Professionals Professionals
A Team Approach A Team Approach • A concerned owner- veterinarian team is best for the horse. • Care on a regular basis can assure health, longevity. Dentistry is ONE element • of good health care. Must be coupled with a complete physical exam.
Veterinary Education & Licensure Veterinary Education & Licensure To provide thorough, competent equine dental care— � Understand anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology and clinical applications � Assess the whole horse, recognize health issues � Apply clinical skills, correctly use medical drugs and sedatives, have access to diagnostics (lab, X-ray, MRI) � Only licensed veterinarians have the necessary training and are allowed by law to diagnose, treat, prescribe
Myths and Facts Myths and Facts Myth—” Veterinarians are not educated in dentistry .” Fact—Dental education encompasses all 4 years of Veterinary School and beyond. Myth—” Veterinarians are not interested in dentistry .” Fact—Committed veterinarians are part of a network of Equine Health Care Professionals. Some veterinarians prefer to refer dental care. Myth—” Lay people who do teeth are more qualified .” Fact—“Floating only” training cannot substitute for a comprehensive veterinary education. Veterinarians are trained, licensed to use sedation, take X-rays. Continuing education is required throughout their careers.
Equine Dentistry Equine Dentistry Your horse’s health, well-being best served by licensed veterinary professionals— � Veterinarians (DVMs) � Veterinary Technicians (LVTs) WA State Dept of Health establishes requirements for � Training—initial and ongoing � Licensing � Accountability Expect and demand competent treatment. Lay people without proper training, operating outside the law should not provide dental care.
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