HEALTH & WELL-BEINGhome with them). Exam findings in themouth may even lead the veterinarian toevaluate other body systems. One exampleis excess tarter buildup on the incisors,which could be secondary to a kidneyproblem.2Dentistry is important for horses<strong>of</strong> all ages.Young or old, all horses need properdental care. Even a newborn foal shouldhave a quick oral exam to look for anycongenital problems <strong>of</strong> the teeth or palate.A minimum <strong>of</strong> a yearly oral exam isrecommended to identify and address anyproblems, and some performance horsesmay need attention every six months. Anyovergrowths (hooks, ramps, steps, waves,etc.) should be reduced over severalvisits (every 3-6 months), rather than atone visit. Floating too much at one timecan damage the teeth, cause pain anddiscomfort, and result in future problems.3Horses with dental problemscan show many different clinicalsigns.Changes in eating behavior, chewingon one side <strong>of</strong> the mouth, quidding, ordropping feed may be a sign <strong>of</strong> a seriousproblem such as a fractured tooth. Colic,choke, or weight loss may also be seensecondary to dental issues. A foul odorfrom the mouth or nostrils, increasedsalivation, or nasal discharge may occursecondary to an abscessed tooth root. Ifany <strong>of</strong> these signs are noted, a veterinarianshould be notified and a thorough physicaland oral exam should be performed.4Horses can get periodontaldisease and cavities, too!Just like people, dogs, and cats, horses candevelop periodontal disease and cavities(dental caries). Without a thorough oralexam, progression to advanced stages<strong>of</strong> oral disease may occur, even withoutthe horse showing external signs.Unfortunately, the only treatment formany advanced oral disease conditions isto extract the affected tooth. If identifiedearly, preventive measures may be able toprolong the life <strong>of</strong> the tooth.5There is a condition that canaffect the front teeth <strong>of</strong> olderhorses that you may have neverheard about.<strong>Equine</strong> odontoclastic tooth resorption andhypercementosis (EOTRH) is a painfulcondition involving the incisors andcanines <strong>of</strong> aged horses. It is characterizedby periodontal disease and resorptive (loss<strong>of</strong> bone) or proliferative (extra production<strong>of</strong> bone) changes to teeth. These changescause teeth to become loose and resultin pain for the horse when eating. We donot currently know what causes EOTRH,but more research may be done as casesare identified. A complete oral exam andX-rays may help in the diagnosis. Thereis no cure, but extraction <strong>of</strong> the affectedteeth can increase the patient’s comfort.Older horses are especially prone to dentalproblems and should have a yearly oralexam.6Advanced dental proceduresmay be performed on a standinghorse.When extraction <strong>of</strong> a tooth is necessarydue to a fracture or tooth root abscess,the procedure may be performed with thehorse standing under sedation rather thanlying down under general anesthesia. Thisreduces some risks for the horse as well assome <strong>of</strong> the post-surgical complications.Many horses can return to their normaldiet the same day and go home theday after surgery. Similar to those inhumans, procedures such as root canalsand application <strong>of</strong> sealants can now beperformed on standing horses as well.7We now have better diagnosticsfor dental diseases in horses.At the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Minnesota</strong> <strong>Equine</strong>Center, multiple imaging modalitiescan be used to achieve a diagnosis in ahorse with signs <strong>of</strong> dental disease. Withdigital radiography, a horse’s teeth andsinuses can be evaluated in greater detailthan traditional X-ray films provide.Scintigraphy (bone scan) uses a nonharmfulradioactive substance to identifyareas <strong>of</strong> active change within the bones<strong>of</strong> the skull. This may helpful for earlydiagnosis <strong>of</strong> tooth root infections. MRI hasthe benefit <strong>of</strong> evaluating both s<strong>of</strong>t tissueand bone, allowing identification <strong>of</strong> subtlechanges in normal structures.8Bit seats may not be asimportant as previously thought.Gone are the days <strong>of</strong> large, sloping bitseats and the idea that they would allowthe horse to perform better under saddle.We now know that drastically changingthe surface <strong>of</strong> the upper and lower secondpremolars (or 06’s on the dental chart)actually does more harm than good. Thisis because a pulp horn, containing nerves,blood vessels, and cells essential to thehealth <strong>of</strong> the tooth, lies close to the front<strong>of</strong> this tooth. Removing too much toothdamages the pulp, and may lead to toothroot infections or early tooth loss. A saferbit seat is one that gently rounds the frontsurface <strong>of</strong> each second premolar. Researchhas shown that a properly adjusted bitshould not be in contact with this area <strong>of</strong>the mouth, and in fact, the sharp enamelpoints that develop on the cheek teethmay actually be a more common cause<strong>of</strong> bitting issues. Both <strong>of</strong> these areas canbe addressed with a proper oral exam andocclusal equilibration (tooth floating).9There is no such thing as aboard-certified equine dentist(yet).Veterinarians are highly trainedpr<strong>of</strong>essionals committed to the healthand welfare <strong>of</strong> your horse. Somechoose to pursue additional trainingand specialization following veterinaryschool. After completing a rigorousperiod <strong>of</strong> additional training (a minimum<strong>of</strong> three to four years) and an extensiveseries <strong>of</strong> examinations, veterinarians maycomplete board certification and legallycall themselves “specialists.” Areas <strong>of</strong>veterinary specialty include surgery,medicine, ophthalmology, dermatology,theriogenology, pathology, and equinespecies specialization. Currently, board4
CONSTRUCTION HEALTH & WELL-BEING UPDATEAn oral exam <strong>of</strong> an aged horse. Older horses are especially prone to dental problems and should have a yearly oral exam.certification is available in small-animaldentistry only, but an equine dentistryspecialty is in the developmental stages.Practitioners, even those who primarilyperform equine dentistry, should not callthemselves equine dental specialists,as this term is misleading. Continuingeducation opportunities in equinedentistry are available through veterinaryorganizations and help keep veterinarianseducated on the latest developments inthe field. Veterinary medicine and itsspecialties are regulated by governingbodies to ensure the highest quality careand safety for your horse. Please usecaution and consideration in choosingyour horse’s dental care provider.and referralequine dental10Routineappointments areavailable at the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong><strong>Minnesota</strong> <strong>Equine</strong> Center.We would love to see your horse for aroutine exam and equilibration (float) orby referral for advanced diagnostics andprocedures. Please contact us at612-625-6700 for more details or to makean appointment.For more information about the<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Minnesota</strong><strong>Equine</strong> Center, visitwww.cvm.umn.edu/umec. For anappointment, call 612-625-6700.5
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