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Evolution of Equine Dentistry
EQUINE DENTISTRY HAS RE-EVOLVED to become a significant part
of many equine practices. In the early 1900s through World
War II, most veterinarians routinely performed dental
procedures for their clients. The subsequent decrease in the
use of horses resulted in less teaching of equine medicine
and surgery, and equine dentistry took a backseat in the
curriculum of veterinary medicine.
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During the 1970s and 1980s, an increasing number of
veterinarians expanded their interest in equine dentistry.
Horse owners and trainers realized that properly performed
equine dentistry had a beneficial effect on performance as
well as feeding efficiency.
The increased interest resulted in demand for improved
instrumentation and, more importantly, reduction of the
physical labor involved using hand floats. The advent of
more effective sedatives and analgesics came along at about
the same time that electrical and air powered grinding discs
and bits appeared.
The first equine dentistry committee was appointed in the
spring of 1996 by Dr. Clyde Johnson, who was then president
of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. During
the past eight years equine dentistry has made enormous
progress and generated great interest. A program for
certified veterinary technicians to become trained in basic
equine dental procedures is being developed at Murray State
University in Kentucky. Several Web sites dedicated to
equine dentistry are also available. |
A high percentage of all procedures, including many
extractions, can be performed in the sedated-but-standing
horse. More effective reshaping of abnormal teeth can be
performed with electrical- or pneumatic-powered floats and
grinding instruments than with hand instruments. Time needed
to perform dental procedures is reduced; ease of performing
them is increased.
Some studies are ongoing to determine the risks of tooth
damage caused by heat that has been generated by power
equipment. Due to the peculiar structure of the hypsodont
(continually erupting) tooth, damage may not become apparent
for several years.
Numerous theories are being presented as to what is normal
tooth structure, what abnormalities are correctable, and how
much correction should be done. To date, no controlled
documented studies have been presented to show the benefits
of aggressive rasping of the dental arcades, especially to
the table surfaces of equine teeth.
Studies are needed in a number of areas. How much correction
is necessary in horses less than 7 years old? When should
incisor teeth be rasped back? How much correction is too
much, and what are the long term effects, if any?
The greatest advances in equine dentistry may not be better
drugs, instrumentation, or techniques, but more
veterinarians developing an interest in improving the
horse’s welfare by thorough examination of the oral cavity.
The horse’s use, the nutrient source (i.e., pellets or
pasture), age, and even genetics all play a role in what is
observed when a complete oral exam is performed.
Universally acclaimed horseman Tom Dorrance was often asked
about a training or behavioral problem with a horse. He
always prefaced his answer with, “It all depends.” Many
questions about equine dentistry are being asked. Each
answer brings more questions and in nearly every case, “It
all depends.”
CONTACT: Dr. R. Dean Scoggins, dscogginsdvm@netcare-il.com,
Villa Grove, Illinois
Article appeared in the Equine Disease Quarterly -
University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture, Department of
Veterinary Science: April 2004 Issue; Volume 13, Number 2
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