can horses get gingivitis

Horses’ gingiva is susceptible to disease, and the most common pathology is gingivitis, the researchers said. Like in humans, gingivitis causes inflammation of the gingiva. However, it’s a very different disease process in horses.

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What causes gingivitis in older horses?

Simple things—irritants in hay or forage, for instance—can cause sometimes serious gingivitis, and older horses with equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis can develop severe gingival recession and gingivitis. Griffin said the most common cause of PD he deals with starts in the tiny spaces between the cheek teeth.

Can a horse have periodontal disease on its cheek?

Periodontal disease of the cheek teeth will not be seen on an unsedated exam. “With horses whose teeth line up normally—when they don’t have any malocclusions or fractured teeth—they’re basically ‘brushing their teeth’ all the time with the roughage they consume,” Dr. Evans says. “It’s not the same mechanism as periodontal disease in humans.

Can horses get cavities in teeth?

Horses do not usually develop cavities in their teeth. Instead, dental infections usually begin at the root of the tooth and are often preceded by gum infection which leads to an abscess. When the gums are infected, small pockets and crevices along the edges of the gums trap food, the pockets and crevices then become infected.

What are the conditions inside a horse’s mouth?

There are two main conditions that occur inside horse mouths, periodontal pockets (holes in the gum next to or around teeth) and diastema (spaces between teeth). Both conditions allow food to trap and periodontal disease to occur. Diastemas are usually treated by carefully widening the space between the teeth to allow the food to pass through.

What causes gingivitis in horses?

Feed becomes packed in between or around these now abnormal teeth and undergoes decay and bacterial fermentation. This process causes a breakdown of the periodontium. The gum begins to recede forming a painful periodontal pocket which can then weaken the periodontal attachment of the tooth.

What is periodontal disease in horses?

Periodontal disease refers to inflammation of the structures that support the tooth (including the gum, periodontal ligaments and the bone within which the tooth sits). Studies have shown that a third of all horses show evidence of periodontal disease – in older horses this percentage is much higher!

What do vets do for gingivitis?

Your veterinarian will conduct a deep cleaning of the gums and teeth to remove all plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) that has built up and created thin crevices between the gum and the teeth. If not removed, the plaque and the tartar push their way further into the gumline, inching their way to the bone!

What causes red gums in horses?

Dark brick or blood-red gums result from severe dehydration or endotoxemia related to poisoning from toxic plants. To detect changes more effectively, you need to be familiar with your horse's normal gum color, which can be slightly darker after exercise.

What are 5 signs a horse may need dental work?

Some common signs that may indicate that your horse needs a dental exam and float are:Dropping feed.Not wanting to eat hay/grain.Quidding (dropping large chucks of hay)Tilting head to one side or the other.Increased salivation.Losing weight.Asymmetric swelling (can be soft or hard)Resistant in on side of the bridle.More items...•

How do I know if my horse has teeth problems?

The classic signs of dental disease in horses include difficulty or slowness in feeding and a reluctance to drink cold water. While chewing, the horse may stop for a few moments and then start again. Sometimes, the horse will hold its head to one side as if it were in pain.

Can gingivitis be painful?

Toothaches are common but can be caused by anything from common tooth decay to serious gum infections. Toothaches are a symptom of gingivitis and can cause immense pain and aggravation.

Is gingivitis contagious?

The bacteria in plaque causes gingivitis. And this bacteria (like all forms of bacteria) can pass from person to person. This means that gingivitis is indeed a contagious disease. Gingivitis contagion can happen to anyone who comes in contact with someone who has plaque, gingivitis, or poor oral hygiene.

What do gums look like with gum disease?

Healthy Gums vs. If you have healthy gums, they will look firm and pink. Some signs of unhealthy gums include redness and swelling, gums that bleed when you brush or floss your teeth, and gums that appear to be pulling away from the teeth.

What colour should a horses gum be?

salmon pink colourYour horse's mucous membranes (gums) should be moist and a healthy salmon pink colour. The capillary refill time of your horse's gums will give you an indication of the efficiency of his circulation.

What should a healthy horses gums look like?

pinkWhen healthy and hydrated, a horse's gums will be shiny, wet, and pink. If the horse is dehydrated, the gums will be dry, pale, and/or tacky instead. You should consult your veterinarian if your horse's gums show signs of dehydration. Above: Healthy gums that are pink and moist.

How do you check a horse's gums?

0:531:16Checking your horse's gums - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLook just above the horse's teeth. Press squeeze the blood out of the area and count how manyMoreLook just above the horse's teeth. Press squeeze the blood out of the area and count how many seconds before returns to normal pink color. So press get the blood out.

How much does it cost to treat gingivitis in dogs?

In general, the cost will range from $50 to $300. If the pet has periodontal disease, the average cost for treatment for a canine is $519 and $768 for a feline2.

What can I give my dog for gingivitis?

The aloe vera is soothing and will provide relief for sore gums affected by gingivitis. The most effective time to apply the solution is before bed, Donahue said. That way, the pet is likely done eating for the day and the solution will have more time to work without being diluted or rubbed off.

Can you reverse gingivitis in dogs?

Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) can be reversed with a thorough dental cleaning and polishing. Loss of tooth attachment, or bone loss, cannot be reversed. Treatment of periodontal disease may include antibiotics and other dental procedures, including tooth extraction.

What does gingivitis look like in dogs?

The gums of dogs with gingivitis appear red and swollen along the gum line, where the gum meets the teeth. The inflamed gums tend to bleed when teeth are brushed. Bad breath (halitosis) is also typically present. In advanced cases of gingivitis, receding gums, loose teeth, and pain may also be present.

What is the cause of periodontal disease in horses?

Matt Evans, DVM, of Austin Equine in Driftwood, Texas, believes that most periodontal disease in horses is secondary to food stasis, or organic debris lodged between two teeth against the periodontia (Figure 1). But discovering the condition is only the beginning of the diagnostic process.

What causes tooth loss in horses?

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in horses, with a prevalence of 35% to 85% in various equine populations. Severe cases can be recognized on routine physical exam if facial swelling, draining tracts or sinusitis is present. With equine periodontal disease, gingival disease is also usually present in the form of hyperplasia, ...

Why do horses lose their teeth?

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in horses, especially in older horses, and it is primarily caused by food debris impacted between cheek teeth. For the most part, information about how to diagnose, treat and help horses heal with periodontal disease is available to equine practitioners.

What tools are needed to diagnose periodontal disease?

Tools needed to diagnose periodontal disease include a headlamp or dental speculum light, mirror and possibly an oral endoscope. Plus, “you have to have instruments for removing debris (wound lavage, alligator forceps) and be willing to sedate a patient adequately,” states Dr. Evans.

How to diagnose periodontal disease?

Dr. Evans notes that the key to diagnosing periodontal disease is a well-sedated horse so you can perform a thorough examination and remove any debris. “When one finds food packing between teeth, that’s where periodontal disease is going to be lying underneath,” he says. “It’s also interesting to try to figure out the primary cause and see if it’s something that can be addressed.”

Is gingival disease a form of recession?

With equine periodontal disease, gingival disease is also usually present in the form of hyperplasia, recession and inflammation. 1. Matt Evans, DVM, of Austin Equine in Driftwood, Texas, believes that most periodontal disease in horses is secondary to food stasis, or organic debris lodged between two teeth against the periodontia (Figure 1).

Is research limited in equine veterinary care?

Research is limited in this area of equine veterinary care, but one practitioner has an approach that works.

Who dissected the jaws of six horses?

To attempt to answer the question above, Steinfort, Staszyk, and their colleagues decided to investigate horses’ teeth and gums in detail, in hand and under microscope. They dissected the jaws of six horses (euthanized for reasons other than dental problems) and developed the first scientific description of healthy equine gingiva.

Is the gingiva of a dog the same as the periodontal?

“For a long time it’s been assumed that the anatomy and histology of the equine gingiva and of other periodontal components are similar or even the same as already described in brachydont species like dog and man,” said Saskia Steinfort, DrMedVet, of the Institute of Veterinary-Anatomy, Histology and Embryology in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Justus Liebig University, in Giessen, Germany.

Can horses have gingivitis?

Horses’ gingiva is susceptible to disease, and the most common pathology is gingivitis, the researchers said. Like in humans, gingivitis causes inflammation of the gingiva. However, it’s a very different disease process in horses. If owners are looking for “human” signs of gingivitis in their horses, they’re likely to miss the signs altogether.

Is gingival disease new in horses?

Gingival problems aren’t new in horses, said the researchers. In fact, periodontal disease was labeled “the scourge of the horse” as early as 1906 by the former president of the British Society of Dental Surgeons, Sir James Frank Colyer, KBE, FRCS, FDSRCS Eng, they said.

What are the two conditions that occur inside horse mouths?

There are two main conditions that occur inside horse mouths, periodontal pockets (holes in the gum next to or around teeth) and diastema (spaces between teeth). Both conditions allow food to trap and periodontal disease to occur. Diastemas are usually treated by carefully widening the space between the teeth to allow the food to pass through.

What is the role of periodontal ligament in horses mouth?

The periodontal ligament plays a very important role in the horse's mouth, it is responsible for stabilising the tooth against the forces it experiences during chewing but also has the ability to detach and reattach, allowing the continuous eruption that occurs in horses teeth.

What is periodontal disease?

This disease is the most common disease affecting horses, with around 70% of horses suffering from its effects. So what is this important disease, what are its effects ...

How to identify periodontal disease?

In order to identify periodontal disease the mouth must be thoroughly rinsed and a bright light, a mirror and probes used to examine around teeth. Sometimes Radiographs (x Rays) will be necessary to determine the direction of treatment (I.e. how much bone is left and should the tooth be treated or extracted).

What is a dental abscess in horses?

Dental Abscesses in Horses. An abscess is an accumulation of pus made up of dead white blood cells that become walled off in a capsule in the horse's body, feet or head. In the case of a dental abscess, the capsule is usually accompanied by inflammation and becomes very painful, due to the buildup of pressure as the dying white blood cells ...

How old do horses get cheek infections?

The reported median age of horses with cheek teeth infections is 5-7 years but these infections can occur at any age. Causes of apical infections are numerous including fractures, developmental disorders, and blood borne pathogens.

What is a horse's apical tooth?

Apical refers to the tooth root area and surrounding tissue. The cheek tooth of a horse is very long and often the apical infection includes not only the tooth but also the periodontal ligament, surrounding bone and potentially sinuses. The reported median age of horses with cheek teeth infections is 5-7 years but these infections can occur ...

What is the term for a tooth root abscess?

The terms tooth root abscess and tooth root infection are synonymous, though a more accurate term is apical infection. Apical refers to the tooth root area and surrounding tissue.

What is it called when a tooth abscess is in the jaw?

When the abscess affects the root of the tooth root, the abscesses are known as apical infections . An apical infection is when there is a bacterial infection located at the apex of a cheek tooth whether it is located in the upper or lower jaw or affects an incisor.

Why is my horse's abscess painful?

In the case of a dental abscess, the capsule is usually accompanied by inflammation and becomes very painful, due to the buildup of pressure as the dying white blood cells accumulate in the capsule. As time passes, the abscess can rupture, releasing pus. Horses do not usually develop cavities in their teeth. Instead, dental infections usually begin ...

What are the signs of horse abscess?

Other signs of dental disease or abscesses in horses include excessive drooling and blood-tinged mucus in the mouth. Because of a lack of desire to eat because of the associated pain, the horse may lose body condition and his coat may be in a poor condition.

Why do horses have sharp teeth?

Lehfeldt. The horse may develop sensitivity due to wear and exposure of the roots of the teeth.

How to help a horse with arthritis?

Lehfeldt. Acupuncture and chiropractic work may help prevent arthritis or reduce discomfort for an already arthritic horse, she adds.

How to help a horse with a swayback?

What you can do: “Regular exercise, including working over poles, can help maintain a horse with a swayback or one with spinal injuries,” says Dr. Lehfeldt. “Modalities such as acupuncture and spinal manipulation [chiropractic] can be very helpful to maintain motion in the musculoskeletal system, reducing the formation of arthritis and making [the horse] more comfortable.”

Why do horses get lame?

Lameness is the most common problem of older horses and often among the first signs of aging. Arthritis is frequently the underlying cause of the unsoundness. “It is often simply the result of wear and tear over time. Any horse that lives and works long enough will inevitably develop some arthritis,” says Dr. Kivett. Arthritis, of course, can lead to pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion and lowered performance ability.

How to tell if a horse has PPID?

These include “changes in body weight or loss of topline, a slight bulging appearance to the eyes—which is a result of fat being deposited behind the eyes —recurrent skin infections or hoof abscesses, or changes in exercise tolerance or sweating patterns,” says Dr. Kivett. In addition, your horse may exhibit lethargy, decreased athleticism and fatty deposits on the crest of the neck and tail head. Your vet can run blood tests to look for changes in the horse’s hormone levels.

Why do horses gain weight?

On the other hand, says Dr. Kivett, some older horses will suddenly become “’air ferns’ and gain weight despite being on a diet.” This could be caused by a metabolic disease or simply be a result of less activity. It’s a concern because an overweight horse adds more stress to feet, muscles and joints that may already be worn from years of use.

Why do senior horses lose weight?

Dental trouble, poor gut health, parasites and chronic pain are a few reasons that a senior horse could exhibit significant weight loss.

How many horses are infected with Giardia?

Historical data indicate that approximately 0.5-35% of horses worldwide are infected with Giardia duodenalis, the most common species of Giardia to infect horses, humans, dogs, and cats.

What parasites are in horses?

When horse owners think of internal parasites, visions of wiggly roundworms, squirmy strongyles, and itchy, pesky pinworms often swarm before our eyes. Rarely do we consider Giardia, small, flagellated protozoal organisms that infect the small intestine of mammals, including horses. Recent research in several countries, however, suggests that infection with Giardia, known as giardiasis, is more common than we think, putting young foals and their human handlers at risk.

What are some interesting facts about giardiasis?

2. Giardia can cause diarrhea, ill thrift, poor hair coats, weight loss, and other common signs of intestinal parasitism. 3.

How many cysts do horses shed?

Some foals shed only small numbers of cysts (50/gram of feces), but others shed up to 4 million infectious cysts/gram of feces. “That study also reported that, similar to other internal parasites, younger horses are more likely to be infected with Giardia.

Is giardia more common in humans?

Recent research in several countries, however, suggests that infection with Giardia, known as giardiasis, is more common than we think, putting young foals and their human handlers at risk. “Infected mammals, both wild and domestic, shed Giardia cysts in their feces.

Can a grazing animal get infected?

Those cysts are hardy and immediately infective, which means that if another mammal is grazing, for example, and ingests those cysts, it can become infected,” says Peter Huntington, B.V.Sc., M.A.C.V.Sc., director of nutrition at Kentucky Equine Research (Australia).

Can a giardia cyst infected foal cause diarrhea?

Some infected foals shedding Giardia cysts might not show overt signs of diarrhea but are still capable of infecting other animals, including humans, on the premises. This sets up a farm for a continuous cycle of transmission, especially when overcrowding is an issue.