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Equine Dentistry Equine Dentistry
Educating horse owners about the Educating horse owners about the importance of proper equine dental care importance of proper equine dental care
SLIDE 2 The Basics About Horse Anatomy The Basics About Horse Anatomy
Important Facts You Should Know Important Facts You Should Know
From Ancient to From Ancient to Modern Horse Modern Horse Complex Oral Complex Oral Anatomy Anatomy Equine Chewing Equine Chewing Cycle Cycle Important Age Important Age-
Related Facts
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From Ancient to Modern Horse From Ancient to Modern Horse Horses were forest animals Horses were forest animals 55 million years ago (Eohippus-the dawn horse) Small (50 lbs) Short, square brachydont teeth Diet of succulent forage Five toes
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From Ancient to Modern Horse From Ancient to Modern Horse Evolved/adapted to live on grasslands Evolved/adapted to live on grasslands Began in North America
32 extinct genera 150 species of fossil horses
4.5 million years ago, now a single toe Reintroduced to North America 16th century
SLIDE 5 From Ancient to Modern Horse From Ancient to Modern Horse 18m year old fossil of 18m year old fossil of a three a three-
toed horse Modern skull of a Modern skull of a draft horse draft horse
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Complex Oral Anatomy Complex Oral Anatomy Change was forced by increasingly abrasive foodstuffs. Short, square teeth became Hypsodont- long crowned teeth. Toes were lost, horses became larger, faces became longer, all cheek teeth became molar-like. Mandibles changed and added muscle.
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Complex Oral Anatomy Complex Oral Anatomy
The modern equine tooth is made of three tissues: Cementum, dentine and enamel Allows it to be self-sharpening Each arcade has: Three incisors May have one canine May have one vestigial pre-molar (wolf tooth) Three premolars, three molars
SLIDE 8 Equine Chewing Cycle Equine Chewing Cycle
Horses move their jaws in three dimensions during function:
Side to side
Forward to back
Obliquely during the “ “power stroke power stroke” ”
- All are important to correct function
All are important to correct function
Chewing cycle occurs 11 times in 10 seconds. The life of equine teeth is maximized when the forces of mastication are evenly distributed along the whole arcade.
SLIDE 9 Equine Chewing Cycle Equine Chewing Cycle
- Incisors harvest forage.
- Horses have top and bottom
incisors that allow harvesting of most nutritious grass.
- Tongue and ridges in roof of
mouth move feed back between cheek teeth (premolars and molars) which act as a single grinding unit.
- Canines are fighting teeth, found
in all males and some mares.
nothing.
Draft Horse skull shown with Draft Horse skull shown with Tridian Tridian numbering system numbering system
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Equine Chewing Cycle Equine Chewing Cycle
If horses spends their life on pasture, the whole arcade is used. The mastication force is spread evenly. The oblique motion of the jaw is maximized. Teeth tend to wear more evenly. In general, less malocclusions occur.
SLIDE 11 Equine Chewing Cycle Equine Chewing Cycle
- Horses who have minimal pasture have
greater up and down movement
- Mastication force is more crushing than
grinding
- The mastication occurs more in the rear
portion of the mouth
- In general, more malocclusions and
sharp points
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Eruption Times of Equine Teeth Eruption Times of Equine Teeth
At birth, a horse’s face cannot accommodate full complement of teeth. Three deciduous incisors erupt starting from the center at seven days, seven weeks and seven months. All 12 deciduous premolars are present at birth or erupt soon after. Molars do not have a deciduous precursor. Molars erupt at year 1, 2, and 3.5 years.
SLIDE 13 Eruption Times of Equine Teeth Eruption Times of Equine Teeth
- Permanent incisors (center
to corner) replace their deciduous precursors at:
2 years 6 months
3 years 6 months
4 years 6 months
replaced at:
2 years 6 months
2 years 8 months
3 years 8 months
SLIDE 14 Eruption Times of Equine Teeth Eruption Times of Equine Teeth
months, 24 deciduous teeth are replaced by their permanent counterparts.
scrutiny of the horse’s mouth is important.
SLIDE 15 Eruption Times of Equine Teeth Eruption Times of Equine Teeth
teeth) usually erupt at 4 – 6 years in
- males. They are
- ften absent or
rudimentary in mares.
1st premolars) usually erupt at 6-12 months of age.
teeth serve a purpose in mastication.
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Why Horses Need Dental Care Why Horses Need Dental Care
Goals of Proper Goals of Proper Equine Dental Care Equine Dental Care What about the What about the Wild horse? Wild horse? Elements of the Elements of the Dental Exam Dental Exam
SLIDE 17 Goals of Proper Equine Dental Care Goals of Proper Equine Dental Care
- A thorough examination is necessary to ensure
any abnormality or acquired disease process is recognized
- Optimize function of the Equine stomatognathic
system by:
Removing excessive masticatory masticatory forces on forces on individual teeth due to malocclusions individual teeth due to malocclusions
- Preserving tooth structure by equilibrating
Preserving tooth structure by equilibrating eruption eruption
- Preventing periodontal disease
Preventing periodontal disease
- Alleviate pain
- Address oral issues that prevent horses of any
age or type from functioning at an optimum level
SLIDE 18 Goals of Proper Equine Dental Care Goals of Proper Equine Dental Care
regular element of a horses care:
Prevents early problems from problems from becoming lifelong becoming lifelong
Finds hidden, very painful problems, painful problems, therefore alleviating therefore alleviating suffering suffering
Allows horses to keep functional keep functional teeth for their entire teeth for their entire life life
SLIDE 19 What about the wild horse? What about the wild horse?
- The wild horse spends up to 17 hours per day
grazing.
- The wild horse eats no prepared food.
- The wild horse wears no tack.
- The wild horse is not asked to perform
intricate tasks.
- The wild horse sometimes became thin and
became prey!
SLIDE 20 Elements of the Dental Exam Elements of the Dental Exam
- Treating the whole horse
- Correct Equipment
- Access to Additional Diagnostics
SLIDE 21 Elements of the Dental Exam Elements of the Dental Exam
component is interest, desire and education.
part of the whole horse.
with a general exam and evaluation of the whole horse.
- It is not unusual to find
- ther significant health
issues.
“ “4% of horses examined don 4% of horses examined don’ ’t get dentistry that day, t get dentistry that day,” ” says Bob Gregory, DVM says Bob Gregory, DVM
SLIDE 22 Elements of the Dental Exam Elements of the Dental Exam
- History
- Physical exam
- Sedation
- Full mouth speculum
- Bright light source
- Correct equipment
(mirror, cheek retractor, picks, etc)
diagnostics (lab, x-ray equipment and MRI)
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Dental Care for the Life of the Horse Dental Care for the Life of the Horse
Popular Myths Popular Myths The Facts The Facts Young Horses Young Horses Wolf Teeth, Caps Wolf Teeth, Caps and Bit Seats and Bit Seats The Mature Horse The Mature Horse The Geriatric Horse The Geriatric Horse
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Popular Myths about Dental Care Popular Myths about Dental Care
“Young horses don’t need dental care.” “Wild horses don’t get dental care so mine doesn’t need it.” “Horses only need dental care every few years.” “I am able to tell when my horse needs dental care.”
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The Facts about Proper Dental Care The Facts about Proper Dental Care
All ages benefit from regular dental exams! All ages benefit from regular dental exams!
At birth to two years: Evaluate to determine if everything developed correctly. 2-5 years: Evaluate to determine if all permanent teeth erupted as they should. 5-20 years: Regular checkups to make sure no disease or injury threatens the health of the horse. Geriatrics: Evaluate to make sure the horse can eat properly, if the horse is in pain and to answer questions on feeding a geriatric horse.
SLIDE 26 Dental Care for Young Horses Dental Care for Young Horses
years, 24 deciduous teeth are exchanged for 24 permanent teeth.
period can prevent major malocclusions later in life.
- Tooth eruption often
- ccurs at exactly the
same time you are first putting a bit in your horse’s mouth.
SLIDE 27 Wolf Teeth, Caps & Bit Seats Wolf Teeth, Caps & Bit Seats
- Wolf teeth are best removed
early, when roots are not firmly attached.
- Caps (remnant of deciduous
teeth) should come out on schedule but not be prematurely removed.
comfort for the horse, but need to be properly done and not overdone.
- Six months to one year is an
appropriate interval between dental exams for this age group.
SLIDE 28 The Mature Horse The Mature Horse
part of an annual exam is good insurance.
during this period assures that malocclusions do not get the upper hand.
maximized by this regular scrutiny.
- Dental visits offer an
- pportunity to assess the
whole horse.
SLIDE 29 Geriatric Horses are a Special Group Geriatric Horses are a Special Group
- Horses are living longer.
- Good dental care
continues to be important.
pain-free mouth is our goal.
infection (periodontal disease).
nutritional adjustments allow an older horse to maintain weight.
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Who Should Provide Dental Care Who Should Provide Dental Care
A Team Approach A Team Approach Veterinary Veterinary Education & Education & Licensure Licensure Myths and Facts Myths and Facts Licensed Veterinary Licensed Veterinary Professionals Professionals
SLIDE 31 A Team Approach A Team Approach
consisting of a Horse Owner and their Veterinarian is best for the horse.
for the care of the horse
the opportunity to assure health and longevity.
- Dentistry is ONE element
- f good health care and
must be coupled with a complete examination.
SLIDE 32 Veterinary Education & Licensure Veterinary Education & Licensure
To adequately care for the horse one must:
- Understand anatomy, physiology, pharmacology,
pathology and clinical applications of these basics
- Be able to assess the whole horse and recognize the
signs that dictate the most pressing health issues
- Apply clinical skills, correctly use medical drugs and
sedatives, and have access to diagnostic procedures (lab work, x-rays, MRI)
- Only licensed veterinarians have the necessary training
and are allowed by law to diagnose and treat the horse
SLIDE 33 Myths and Facts Myths and Facts
Myth: Myth: Veterinarians are not educated in Dentistry Veterinarians are not educated in Dentistry. Fact: Our dental education encompasses all four years of Veterinary School and beyond. Myth: Myth: Veterinarians are not interested in Dentistry. Veterinarians are not interested in Dentistry. Fact: Some veterinarians prefer to refer dental care while
- thers have been involved from day one. We are a
network of Equine Health Professionals. Myth: Myth: Lay persons who do only teeth are more qualified. Lay persons who do only teeth are more qualified. Fact: No “floating only” training can replace a comprehensive veterinary education. Veterinarians are licensed to use sedation, take radiographs and CE is required throughout their career.
SLIDE 34 Your Horse Your Horse’ ’s Care is Best Served by s Care is Best Served by Licensed Veterinary Professionals Licensed Veterinary Professionals
- Licensed Veterinarians (DVMs)
- Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVTs)
- LVTs are licensed veterinary paraprofessionals
LVTs are licensed veterinary paraprofessionals
- Many successful examples of Veterinarians and LVTs working in
Many successful examples of Veterinarians and LVTs working in tandem exist. tandem exist.
- The training, licensure and accountability by the State of WA
The training, licensure and accountability by the State of WA provide a framework for assuring competent treatment. provide a framework for assuring competent treatment.
- In our state and others, excellent training programs exist for a
In our state and others, excellent training programs exist for a person to become a licensed veterinary technician (LVTs). person to become a licensed veterinary technician (LVTs).
- The nature of Equine Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry demands
The nature of Equine Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry demands such a framework. such a framework.
Lay people who lack proper training and operate outside the law should not provide dental care.
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Thank you Thank you
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