Parodontitis bei Pferden Titelbild

Equine Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)

Seek veterinary advice if you suspect this disease.

Periodontal disease is one of the most painful conditions that can occur in the horse’s mouth and is the number one cause of premature tooth loss in adult horses, potentially able to affect incisors, canine teeth, and cheek teeth.

The disease is characterised by inflammation of the structures that support the tooth (including the gum, periodontal ligaments and the bone within which the tooth sits). It can occur secondary to missing teeth, diastemata (gaps between teeth) or calculus (plaque) on the teeth amongst other things. The normal tight seal between the tooth and surrounding soft tissues is lost allowing food material to become trapped in the gap. This sets up an infection and causes further recession of the gum. This cycle can eventually lead to infection tracking along the edge of the tooth down to the root or into the jawbone.

In severe cases, the tooth may become loose or fall out, obviously causing significant pain in the process.

Symptoms

  • Lethargy
  • Excessive Salivation
  • Difficulty Chewing
  • Foul Odor
  • Sensitive
  • Food particles falling out
  • Blisters
  • Sores
  • Pus discharge
  • Loose teeth
  • Bleeding Gums
  • Red Gums
  • Swollen Gums
  • Head shaking
  • Tilted Head
  • Tossing Head

Common in

  • Old Horses

Treatment

Treatment of periodontal disease involves a thorough assessment of the tooth and surrounding soft tissues with careful cleaning and assessment of the depth of any periodontal pockets. In some cases, the widening of gaps between teeth may be recommended, which reduces the amount of food getting trapped in the gap. Occasionally teeth may need to be extracted if the disease process has progressed too far. The extent of bone loss, if any, should be evaluated. If the horse has acute symptoms such as inflammation and bleeding, a course of antibiotics will be prescribed to combat the infection.

Prevention

Horses are often able to adapt to the early stages of this disease and may not show obvious signs until the process is advanced. Prevention is done by a thorough oral examination with bright light, dental mirror and dental pick/probe, and in some cases, even a dental endoscope (“oroscope”) every 6 months to a year, by a qualified vet. In many cases, sedation administered by a vet will be required for this thorough examination.

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