Case Studies

Facial Swelling

 

16yr old polo pony

 

Symptoms / History - Hard swelling on side of face and malodour from mouth.

 

 

 

 

Clinical Findings - Grass and hay impacting between upper molars and cheek, caused by displaced, loose teeth.

 

Treatment / Outcome – Extraction of loose teeth and reduction of overgrowths resulted in complete resolution of symptoms.

Gum Damage

 

10yr old show jumper / hunter

 

Symptoms / History – Became “Strong” whilst being ridden.

 

 

 

 

 

Clinical Findings – Inflammation and swelling of the bars of the mouth caused by friction from a rubber Pelham. Ulceration of cheeks caused by sharp enamel points.

 

Treatment / Outcome – Removal of sharp enamel points and use of bitless bridle for 10 days. Changing to a bit without a curb will help to prevent excessive pressure on bars.

Large Focal Overgrowths

 

10yr old mare ex-racer

 

Symptoms / History – raising head and rearing when rein aid applied.

 

 

 

Clinical findings – Large overgrowths of the first cheek teeth on both sides of the upper jaw. A “wolf tooth” on one side.

 

Treatment / Outcome – Reduction of overgrowths and extraction of wolf tooth resolved problem.

Tongue Damage

 

5yr old cob, riding horse

 

Symptoms / History – None!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clinical Findings – Extensive tissue loss and scarring on tongue caused by previous trauma. The tongue was a third of its normal size.

 

Treatment / Outcome – The horse was coping well with this old injury, routine dental work was all that was required.

Worn Incisors

 

Example of wear to the incisors ( front teeth) caused by crib biting.

Sow Mouth

 

Example of a “sow mouth”. Lower incisors protrude in front of the upper incisors. The opposite situation where the upper incisors protrude in front of the lower incisors is called a 'parrot mouth'.