Page 61 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

• performance problems

• an accompanying sinusitis in some cases.
VetBooks.ir These are investigated using imaging techniques such as radiography, nuclear scintigraphy,

computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The most common
reasons for extraction include extensive dental disease or tooth fracture with concurrent
infection. Wherever possible, extractions are performed orally in the standing horse.

However, some teeth can only be removed using a surgical approach under general
anaesthesia. Following cheek tooth extraction, the cavity is sealed with dental wax to prevent

the hole filling up with food material. If the diseased tooth had its roots in the maxillary
sinus, this is flushed regularly for a few days following surgery. Horses require regular,

lifelong dental care following extraction of a permanent tooth and post-operative
complications are not uncommon.

Advanced equine dentistry

In recent years there have been many advances in equine dentistry and it is now possible in
some cases to treat the damaged teeth rather than routinely extract them. These category 3

procedures include:
• Cavity restorations (fillings)

• Capping teeth where the sensitive pulp has been exposed

• Root canal treatment

The key to success of these treatments is early identification of the problem, hence the
importance of routine dental examinations. Horses and ponies are good at disguising any

discomfort by changing their way of eating and may not show obvious symptoms until the
tooth has such advanced disease that it cannot be saved. In some cases this is a serious

welfare issue.

Summary

Routine maintenance is the key to your horse having a comfortable, healthy and functional
mouth. Early detection of any developing problems and appropriate remedial action should

improve both your horse’s performance and its overall wellbeing. Horses are like humans in
that routine maintenance increases the probability of long-term dental health into old age.
Unlike humans though, once work has been done, change occurs rapidly and thus