Abstract

MARTIN ARDILA, C  and  MONTOYA, L. EQUINE ORAL DISORDERS. Rev Salud Anim. [online]. 2009, vol.31, n.3, pp.143-151. ISSN 0253-570X.

Dental disease is the major mouth disorder of horses and it is of great importance for the equine veterinary practice. The most common equine mouth disease is the development of acute dental overgrowth causing lacerations of the cheeks and tongue during mastication, avoiding the normal lateral functioning of the jaw. Compared with the molars, the disorders of the incisors are rare and can be easily visualized , even if they are minor problems. The impact of genetic and environmental factors could lead to abnormal development of the teeth and contribute to the deterioration of the eruption. Periodontal pathologies include inflammation dystrophy and malignant abnormalities. Usually these injuries are beginning particularly in the interproximal area of teeth and jaw spaces flows are the most affected. The most frequent odontogenic tumors are ameloblastoma, ameloblastic odontoma and cementoma. Unfortunately, the oral examination conducted by most equine veterinarians only consist in separating the lips, to note the incisors and place a finger on the cheek to feel tips upon the first upper cheek teeth. This type of examination detects only a small percentage of diseases, threatening not only the oral health of horses but the animal life. The treatments most commonly performed in equine dentistry are prophylaxis, procedures filing and restorations of the teeth. Other therapeutic alternatives are made less frequently because of the complexity and cost of the procedures. To achieve adequate prevention , a detailed evaluation is needed , periodical examination of the oral cavity on equine on training , for hipic activity , jumping, rodeo, pole, endure and training, it is also recommended at least two treatment per year.

Keywords : equine dentistry; equine dental therapy; oral disorders.

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