PROFESSIONAL VERSION
Feed packing, diastemata, horse
Image
Courtesy of Dr. Jack Easley.
Diastema, horse, radiograph
Image
Courtesy of Dr. Jack Easley.
Open diastema, horse, radiograph
Image
Courtesy of Dr. Jack Easley.
Periodontal disease is common in older horses and is almost always associated with diastemata (gaps) that form between cheek teeth and/or incisors. Successful management includes correcting dental wear abnormalities and cleaning out trapped feed. The stage of disease can be gauged by the amount of attachment that has been lost between the tooth and the dental socket. Severe cases of periodontal disease, with unstable teeth, usually benefit from oral extraction.
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