Equine dentistry Flashcards
(38 cards)
What are the main consequences of dental disease in horses?
- Oral pain and discomfort
- Weight loss
- Predisposition to certain types of colic
- Secondary disease processes e.g. sinusitis
How many hours a day should a horse graze?
18
How are horses teeth characterised?
Hypsodont - long crowned
What is the permanent dentition of a horse?
I 3/3, C1/1 or 0/0, PM 3/3 or 4/4, M 3/3
= 36-44 teeth
Which tooth is 309?
The Left mandibular 1st molar
When describing horses deciduous teeth using the triadan numbering system what do you do?
Add 4 to the quadrant number - 5 = Horse’s upper right - 6 = Horse’s upper left - 7 = Horse’s lower left - 8 = Horse’s lower right Examples: - Right central upper incisor = 501 - Left lower 1st molar = 709
At what age do each of the deciduous incisors erupt?
- 01’s (Central) 1 week
- 02’s (Middle) 6 weeks
- 03’s (Corner) 6 -9 months
Rule of thumb: 6 days, 6 weeks, 6 months
At what age do each of the permanent incisors erupt?
Central = 2.5 years Middle = 3.5 years Corner = 4.5 years
At what age are each of the permanent incisors in wear?
6 months after eruption
Central = 3 years
Middle = 4 years
Corner = 5 years
Canine teeth in horses erupt (if they have them) at what age?
5 years olf
At what age do wolf teeth develop?
1 year old
mainly lost with the 06 cap at 2.5 years old
Which of the horses deciduous teeth are present at birth?
06, 07, 08 (premolars)
Which teeth don’t have any deciduous precursors?
- Canines
- Wolf teeth
- Molars
At what age do the permanent premolars and molars erupt?
06 = 2.5 07 = 3.5 08 = 4 09 = 1 10 = 2 11 = 3.5
Describe the age related changes in incisor anatomy
- until around 4yo only the infundibulum is visible on the labial aspect
- The secondary dentine (dental star) then becomes visible
- The infundibulum is no longer visible at 12yo
- The tooth becomes more circular shaped on the labial surface from 12-14 years
Describe the labial surface of maxillary vs mandibular cheek teeth
Maxillary CT: - 2x infundibulae - wide ‘square’ Mandibular CT: - No infundibulae - Narrow ‘rectangular’
What are pulp horns?
- Area of pigmented secondary dentine on the occlusal surface
- Approximately 5mm thick
- Protects the underlying pulp
- Every cheek tooth has at least 5 pulp horns
Describe the anatomy and structure of maxillary cheek teeth
- 2 Infundibulae (Enamel Cups)
- 3 Roots
- 06 + 07 → Maxillary bone
- 08 + 09 → Rostral maxillary sinus
- 10 + 11 → Caudal maxillary sinus
- Pulps run on either side of the infundibulum to the apex of the tooth
Describe the anatomy and structure of mandibular cheek teeth
- No infundibulae: more infolding of the peripheral enamel -> greater grinding surface
- 2 Roots
- Narrower bucco-lingually compared to maxillary CT
Where does the pulp run within the tooth?
Pulps run on either side of the infundibulum to the apex of the tooth
What is meant by a horse having Anisognathia?
Maxillary CT 20-25% further apart than Mandibular CT
Which drugs can be used to sedate a horse for a dental exam?
Alpha 2 agonist / butorphanol
What equipment is needed for an equine dental exam?
- Appropriate examination area
- +/- Sedation
- Dental equipment
- Gloves
- Recording sheets
- +/- head stand
What steps are taken in the initial dental exam of a horse?
- Thorough history
- Watch the horse eat
- Clinical examination: signs of underlying disease, external swellings/asymmetry, halitosis, discharge
