Periodontal disease

Veterinary advice should be sought before applying any treatment or vaccine.

Periodontal Disease

Equine Periodontal Disease, EPD

Periodontal disease (PD) is a common and painful dental disorder. Most cases arise due to food accumulation in the spaces between molar teeth. Horses with gaps in their teeth, experiencing gum recession, or eating poor quality feed are predisposed. Periodontal disease can cause loosing of teeth, secondary infective sinusitis or focal abscessation onto the face or nasal cavity.

Symptoms

Gum overgrowth
Dental plaque
95%
Ulcers
70%
Difficulty swallowing
40%
Quidding forage
30%

Diagnosis

  • History
  • Clinical signs
  • Physical exam
  • Radiography

Support

Therapies

TherapiesDetails
Dental examination to remove impacted food, assess the degree of damage to the gumline, and cleaning of the periodontal pockets.
May require modification of teeth to prevent food trapping between spaces.

Prevention

Prognosis

Varies depending on the extent of the disease at the time of the examination.

Scientific Research

General Overviews

  • Mouth Ulcers icon
  • Mouth ulcers icon

Risk Factors

  • Anachoresis
  • Excessive strains and stresses occurring in the periodontal ligament (PDL) during the horse's chewing cycle
  • Tartar accumulation