Topic:Oral Health
Oral health in horses encompasses the study and management of the dental and oral structures, including teeth, gums, and the oral cavity. It is an important aspect of equine veterinary care, as oral health can affect a horse's ability to chew and digest food properly. Common issues include dental malocclusions, periodontal disease, and the presence of sharp enamel points, which can lead to discomfort and reduced feed efficiency. Regular dental examinations and treatments, such as floating, are employed to maintain proper oral function. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the anatomy, pathology, and management strategies related to oral health in horses.
Kinematic analysis of equine masticatory movements: comparison before and after routine dental treatment. The objective of this study was to compare masticatory movements before and after dental treatment using kinematic analysis. The masticatory movements of 15 adult Warmblood horses with mild dental pathology chewing standardised hay were recorded on three consecutive days before and three times after (days 7, 21, 28) dental correction. The results of the leading mandibular tracking marker, located at the caudal edge of the inter-mandibular suture, were compared statistically. Reproducibility of measurements prior to dental treatment was excellent (P<0.05). Rostrocaudal mandibular motion was ...
The incidence and distribution of peripheral caries in the cheek teeth of horses and its association with diastemata and gingival recession. Although considered relatively common in horses, there is little information on the prevalence, distribution and aetiology of peripheral caries of the equine cheek teeth (CT). The objective of this study was to investigate a possible association between this lesion and diastemata or 'gaps' between the CT which facilitate the entrapment of food material. Video recordings of oroscopic examinations of all dental cases at an equine hospital over a 3-year period were reviewed, and the location of all diastemata, peripheral caries, trapped food, and of gingival recession were recorded. A total of 10...
Extraction of cheek teeth using a lateral buccotomy approach in 114 horses (1999-2009). There are few published data regarding the success rates of cheek tooth (CT) removal by lateral buccotomy in the horse. Objective: A retrospective study of 114 horses admitted to 2 private equine referral hospitals over a 10 year period (1999-2009), which underwent CT removal via a lateral buccotomy. Methods: Hospital records were analysed and details including case details, presenting complaint and results of all diagnostic tests and surgical reports were documented. Information obtained during post operative reassessment was also available for analysis. Long-term follow-up information (>2 mo...
Diagnostic Exercise: oral tumor in an aged mare. A 17-year-old, Thoroughbred mare was presented for necropsy with a large, invasive oral mass determined via immunohistochemistry to be a soft tissue sarcoma of neural origin. Oral sarcomas are rare in veterinary medicine, and to the authors' knowledge, this is the first oral sarcoma of neural tissue origin reported in a horse.
Gelatinous marrow transformation and hematopoietic atrophy in a miniature horse stallion. Gelatinous marrow transformation, or serous atrophy of bone marrow fat, has been noted in livestock, laboratory animals, and wildlife in association with an inadequate plane of nutrition, inanition, or intoxication. This is a report of gelatinous marrow transformation and hematopoietic marrow atrophy in a 5-year-old miniature horse stallion. The horse had oral malformations leading to poor food assimilation and emaciation. A bone marrow biopsy obtained to investigate persistent anemia and leukopenia showed hematopoietic atrophy and replacement of fat with a granular extracellular substance, wh...
A survey of equine oral pathology. Dental abnormalities in horses can lead to weight-loss, poor performance, pain, behavioral abnormalities, and illness. Despite this impact, the occurrence and type of dental disease in horse populations is infrequently reported in veterinary medicine. The purpose of this cross-sectional survey of horses presented for slaughter at a processing plant in Western Canada was to measure the prevalence of equine oral abnormalities, examine associations between the most common abnormalities, and consider the relationship between the age of horse and types of abnormalities observed. The horses used in ...
Occlusal fissures of the equine cheek tooth: prevalence, location and association with disease in 91 horses referred for dental investigation. Fissures of the occlusal surface of the equine cheek tooth are poorly understood and their association with dental disease is unknown. Objective: To describe the prevalence and location of occlusal fissures in the cheek teeth (CT) of a group of horses referred for dental investigation/treatment, and determine association with intercurrent dental disease. Methods: Digital video recordings of oral endoscopic examinations for all horses referred to the Rossdales Equine Hospital for dental investigation from November 2006 to June 2009 were reviewed. Location of occlusal fissures in relation to bot...
The prevalence of secondary dentinal lesions in cheek teeth from horses with clinical signs of pulpitis compared to controls. With the advent of detailed oral examination in horses using dental mirrors and rigid endoscopy, secondary dentinal lesions are observed more frequently. More information regarding the association of secondary dentinal defects with apical dental disease would improve the sensitivity of oral examination as a diagnostic aid for pulpitis. Objective: To assess prevalence and severity of secondary dentinal defects observed on examination of occlusal surfaces of cheek teeth (CT) from horses showing clinical signs of pulpitis compared to asymptomatic controls. Methods: Records from all cases of equin...
Effects of fusariotoxins in the equine species. Fumonisins, trichothecenes and zearalenone are the most commonly occurring Fusarium mycotoxins in cereal grains and animal feed. In this review, the toxicity of these mycotoxins in horses is considered with particular reference to recent data on specific and proposed syndromes. Compared to other animal species, very little information is available on the adverse effects of fusariotoxins in horses. Fumonisin B(1) (FB(1)) is the causative agent of leukoencephalomalacia, which is typified by depression, aimless circling, head pressing, paresis, ataxia, blindness and death. FB(1) has also been sho...
The effects of oral glucosamine on joint health: is a change in research approach needed? Oral glucosamine (GlcN) has been widely studied for its potential therapeutic benefits in alleviating the pain and disability of osteoarthritis (OA). Its popularity has grown despite ongoing controversy regarding its effectiveness vs placebo in clinical trials, and lack of information regarding possible mechanisms of action. Here, we review the state of knowledge concerning the biology of GlcN as it relates to OA, and discuss a framework for future research directions. Methods: An editorial "narrative" review of peer-reviewed publications is organized into four topics (1) Chemistry and pharmac...
Clinical dental examinations of 357 donkeys in the UK. Part 1: prevalence of dental disorders. Dental disorders have a high prevalence in older donkeys and horses, but the nature and pathogenesis of many of these disorders have yet to be established. Objective: The identification and determination of the prevalence of important dental disorders in different age groups in a large single population of donkeys, to establish a better understanding of the nature and pathogenesis of these disorders. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was performed on the donkey population at The Donkey Sanctuary with detailed oral examinations of 357 donkeys within 7 different age groups (age range ...
Oral endoscopy as an aid to diagnosis of equine cheek tooth infections in the absence of gross oral pathological changes: 17 cases. Removal of cheek teeth in all but the aged horse or pony is a serious undertaking with potentially deleterious sequellae. Rigid endoscopy permits detailed examination of the oral cavity and erupted dental tissues and has the potential to assist in the correct identification of the diseased tooth. Objective: To document oral endoscopic findings associated with infected equine cheek teeth in cases without gross oral pathological changes and thereby determine the usefulness of rigid oral endoscopy as an aid to diagnosis of such infections. Methods: Records of all cases of equine cheek tooth remov...
Complications of equine oral surgery. The vast majority of equine oral procedures are dental-related and, unless great care is taken, almost all such procedures have the potential to cause marked short- or long-term damage to other oral structures. This review of the more common complications of oral surgery begins at the rostral oral cavity with procedures of the incisors, and then moves caudally to deal with complications related to procedures of wolf teeth and cheek teeth, including salivary duct disruption and dental sinusitis. Finally, complications associated with maxillary and mandibular fractures are discussed.
Measurement of the Curve of Spee in horses. The Curve of Spee is well known, yet hardly understood in the horse, as there is a striking lack of biometrically related data which could help to explain its biomechanical significance. Older horses display drastic alterations of the Curve of Spee in routine clinical examinations. Since the Curve of Spee is known to be biomechanically related to the masticatory forces in humans, the same may apply to the equine, and masticatory deficits can be expected in the geriatric horse. Quantitative data of the Curve of Spee cannot be obtained directly by means of measurements in the horse's long and na...
The use of oral endoscopy for detection of cheek teeth abnormalities in 300 horses. The main objective of this study was to evaluate an endoscopic examination protocol for routine dental examination in horses. The oral cavities of 300 standing, sedated horses were examined under field and hospital conditions with a rigid endoscope using a standardised technique that included examination of the occlusal, lingual (palatal) and buccal surfaces of all cheek teeth rows. The most common cheek teeth abnormalities detected were sharp enamel edges (present in 96.3% of horses), focal overgrowths (64.3%), fissure fractures (54.3%), diastemata (24.3%) and infundibular hypoplasia/caries (...
Treatment of oromaxillary fistulae in nine standing horses (2002-2006). There is minimal published information on equine oromaxillary fistulae that are unrelated to cheek teeth (CT) repulsion or on the conservative treatment of these atypical fistulae. Objective: To report equine oromaxillary fistulae unrelated to CT extraction and describe their management in standing horses. Methods: Case details of oromaxillary fistulae of atypical aetiology occurring at 2 referral centres between 2002-2006, including their treatment and response to treatment were examined. Results: Nine cases of oromaxillary fistula were recorded, mainly in aged horses (median 22 years). Fistu...
The prevalence of oral ulceration in Swedish horses when ridden with bit and bridle and when unridden. Oral soft tissue ulcers are common disorders of horses, but it is unclear if their prevalence is increased by riding horses with a bit and bridle. Oral examinations were performed on 113 horses and ponies, all which had received routine dental floating, that were divided into four groups depending on when they had last been ridden with a bit and bridle. The subjects comprised: group 1, a randomly selected population of ridden horses; group 2, a group of horses examined after being rested at pasture for 5 weeks; group 3, the previous group following 7 weeks of riding with a bit and bridle, and ...
Pathological studies of cheek teeth apical infections in the horse: 5. Aetiopathological findings in 57 apically infected maxillary cheek teeth and histological and ultrastructural findings. Examination of 57 apically infected maxillary cheek teeth (CT) showed one or more viable pulps and minimal apical calcified tissue changes present in recently infected CT. With chronic infections, pulps were necrotic or absent, pulp horns were filled with food if occlusal pulpar exposure was present, and gross caries of dentine was occasionally present. With chronic infections, the apical changes varied from gross destructive changes in some teeth, to extensive proliferative calcified apical changes in others. Infundibular caries was believed to cause apical infection in just 16% of infected (...
Evaluation of the long-term oral consequences of equine exodontia in 50 horses. The aims of this study were to objectively evaluate and quantify the process of post-extraction cheek teeth (CT) dental drift in horses, and to report on associated disorders of CT wear and long-term periodontal health. Fifty horses that had CT oral extraction because of apical infection were prospectively re-examined and a full oral examination, including measurements of some dental parameters, was performed. Narrowing of the extraction space was noted in all cases with complete closure occurring in 18% of horses. The rate of dental drift was calculated as 15.7% of extraction space/year (rang...
Pathological studies of cheek teeth apical infections in the horse: 4. Aetiopathological findings in 41 apically infected mandibular cheek teeth. Examination of 41 extracted, apically infected mandibular cheek teeth (CT) without obvious causes of infection included radiography, computerised axial tomography and decalcified and undecalcified histology. In CT with recent infections, some pulps remained viable, with proliferative soft and calcified tissue changes confined to the apex. With more advanced CT infections, occlusal pulpar exposure was sometimes present (in 34% of the 41 CT), some infected pulp chambers were filled with necrotic pulp or food, and extensive destructive or proliferative changes were present in the calcified apical...
Equid herpesvirus 2-associated oral and esophageal ulceration in a foal. A case of a 1-month-old Thoroughbred foal with dysphagia, salivation, pyrexia, oral mucosal pustules, and esophageal ulceration is reported. Swabs from the ulcerated lesions yielded Equid herpesvirus 2 (EHV-2) in virus isolation assays, and histopathology of a biopsy from the esophageal lesion identified nuclear inclusions suggestive of herpesviruses. Immunohistochemical staining with antibodies specific for EHV-2 was positive for epithelial cells in the vicinity of the ulcer but not in more distant mucosa. Electron microscopic evaluation of the biopsy showed herpesviral particles in epithelia...
The relationship between cheek tooth occlusal morphology, apparent digestibility, and ingesta particle size reduction in horses. To investigate potential relationships between cheek tooth occlusal morphology, apparent feed digestibility, and the reduction in feed particle size that occurs during digestion in horses. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Methods: 17 horses of various ages and breeds and either sex. Methods: Horses were fed 1 of 3 hay-based diets ad libitum for 14 days prior to euthanasia; nutrient analysis was performed on samples of each of the 3 diets. At the time of postmortem examination, the head was disarticulated, photographs were taken of the occlusal surfaces of the maxillary and mandibular cheek toot...
[Prevalence of dental disorders in 483 horses and ponies]. Prevalence of dental disorders in 483 horses and ponies Five equine veterinarians working at three equine referral hospitals examined the oral cavity of 483 horses and ponies prior to surgery, to gain information about the prevalence of common dental disorders in the horse. A thorough examination, using hands/fingers, a full-mouth speculum, a dental mirror and a good light source, is essential to detect such disorders. Many horses examined needed dental attention even though there were no problems with mastication or riding. The most detected abnormalities were sharp enamel points on the bucca...
Treatment of equine cheek teeth by mechanical widening of diastemata in 60 horses (2000-2006). Cheek teeth (CT) diastemata are a significant cause of painful dental disease in horses and limited factual information is available on the treatment of this disorder. Objective: To assess the response to mechanical widening in the treatment of diastema. Methods: Details of the presenting signs and treatment of cases of CT diastema by widening were recorded and the response to treatment of these cases assessed by re-examinations and by obtaining follow-up information from owners. Results: Sixty horses of various breeds, median age 9 years, with clinically significant CT diastemata were classif...
Glossitis and tongue trauma subsequent to administration of an oral medication, using an udder infusion cannula, in a horse. A 10-year-old gelding was presented with a tongue that had swelled immediately after oral administration of oxfendazole, using an udder infusion cannula. The tongue appeared to have been punctured inadvertently. The horse recovered after treatment with intravenous fluid, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Administering oral medication by this method should be discouraged. Un cheval hongre âgé de 10 ans a été présenté avec une langue devenue tuméfiée immédiatement après l’administration orale d’oxfendazole à l’aide d’une canule à infusion du pis. La langue semblait a...
Equine idiopathic cheek teeth fractures: part 2: a practice-based survey of 147 affected horses in Britain and Ireland. There is limited information on the prevalence of idiopathic cheek teeth (CT) fractures in the general equine population and on which CT are most commonly affected. Objective: To obtain information on the prevalence of fracture patterns and clinical details of idiopathic CT fractures. Methods: Details of cases with idiopathic CT fractures encountered were obtained via a questionnaire sent to suitably experienced veterinary practitioners and equine dental technicians (EDTs). Results: Details of 147 horses that suffered a total of 182 idiopathic CT fractures; and median 0.4% (range 0.07-5.9%) of...
Equine idiopathic cheek teeth fractures: part 3: a hospital-based survey of 68 referred horses (1999-2005). There is limited information available on the more serious sequellae of idiopathic cheek teeth (CT) fractures. Objective: To obtain information on clinical and ancillary diagnostic findings in referred horses with idiopathic CT fractures. Methods: Details of all horses suffering from idiopathic CT fractures referred to the Equine Hospital at the University of Edinburgh 1999-2005 were examined, and information concerning fracture patterns, clinical and ancillary diagnostic findings, treatments and long-term response to treatments were obtained and analysed. Results: A total of 60 maxillary and ...
Evaluation of periodontal changes following intra-alveolar prosthesis for maxillary cheek tooth extraction in ponies. This study investigated the placement of an intra-alveolar prosthesis of bone substitute on gingival/periodontal health in 5 ponies following repulsion of cheek teeth 108 and 208. In each pony, one randomly chosen alveolus was allowed to heal by second intention while the other was filled with a non-resorbable, biocompatible bone substitute. At 6, 12 and 24-months after surgery, both maxillary arches were evaluated for wear abnormalities and for gingival health using a periodontal scoring system. Recorded changes included development of overgrowths on mandibular cheek teeth, widening of maxill...