PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF ACQUIRED DENTAL DISEASES OF THE HORSE

Acquired dental diseases commonly recognized in the horse include reta ined deciduous teeth, periodontitis, periapical infection, and infundi bular decay. Gingival hyperplasia, brachygnathia, and odontogenic tumo rs are recognized less frequently. This article discusses the physiolo gic and pathologic changes in the cheek teeth of horses. Causes of per iapical dental disease reviewed are anachorectic pulpitis, periodontit is and infundibular decay. Sequelae to periapical dental disease are p resented. Acquired brachygnathia is identified by repeated oral examin ation of the growing foal and allows for timely treatment when appropr iate. Odontogenic tumors, including ameloblastomas and odontomas, are discussed. Ameloblastomas are generally identified in old horses and i nvolve the mandible whereas odontomas usually occur in the young adult horse and exhibit maxillary involvement.