Page 780 - Equine Clinical Medicine, Surgery and Reproduction, 2nd Edition

Gastrointestinal system: 4.1 The upper gastrointestinal tr act 755

VetBooks.ir in older male horses and is facilitated by the fact relaxation and tolerance of the presence of the spec-
Calculus accumulation on the canines is common
ulum. A check-list for routine examination is listed
that the canines are not in constant contact with the
cheeks during mastication. Normally, this accumu- below (Figs. 4.5–4.8):
lation is asymptomatic, but in severe cases gingivitis • Examination of body condition of animal.
and eventual gingival recession can occur. Removal • Observation while eating forage.
of the excess calculus with a dental elevator is easily • Palpation of temporomandibular joints and
accomplished in the conscious horse during routine temporal muscles.
dental examinations. Canine teeth in geriatric horses • Palpation of buccal molar arcades through cheeks.
are occasionally affected by EOTRH and therefore • Palpation of submandibular lymph nodes.
they should be included in a radiographic screening • Lateral movement of the mandible to check
for this disease. excursion.
Canine teeth with pulpitis but an intact crown • Examination of the incisors and tables to check
can be considered for endodontic therapy and res- compatibility with documented age (Fig. 4.72).
toration, since they are not subject to masticatory • Application of gag (sedation if required).
attrition. Careful exposure of the pulp canal should • Visual examination of all four molar arcades.
be followed by mechanical and chemical debride- • Digital palpation of each tooth.
ment of the necrotic pulp. Subsequent canal obtu- • Recording of observations and intended treatments.
ration and restoration can be performed with care • Perform dental treatments on molar arcades.
in the standing sedated horse along with regional • Removal of speculum.
analgesia. In canine teeth that are not suitable for • Perform incisor treatments.
attempted salvage, removing them is possible with • Elevation of cheek to visualise buccal aspect of
the horse under sedation and regional and local anal- maxillary arcade.
gesia. The long curved trajectory of the apical region
necessitate a technically difficult approach. A muco- Treatment of common pathologies
periosteal flap is raised to expose the lateral alveo- Terms such as ‘balancing, equilibration, perfor-
lar bone enabling a lateral alveolar buccotomy. The mance floating and bit seating’ are often used when
tooth is carefully elevated and extracted along its promoting dental treatments but are inaccurate,
eruption pathway. In non-compliant horses or those
requiring multiple exodontia procedures general
anaesthesia may be required to allow the procedures 4.72
to be carried out.

DENTAL EXAMINATION OF THE
HORSE AND TREATMENT OF
COMMON PROBLEMS

Regular dental care involves a regular dental exami-
nation and correction of any dental lesions causing
pain, and treatment of any pathology of dental struc-
tures and soft tissues. The aim is to reduce any pain,
restore normal occlusion and enable normal mastica-
tion. Examination visually and digitally with a full
mouth speculum such as a Hausmann’s type gag is
a prerequisite before performing any procedures.
A far more thorough examination can be performed Fig. 4.72 Occlusal view of incisors showing
if the horse is sedated, which also leads to muscle displacement and periodontitis.