Lynsey Brookes - LB Equine Dentistry BAEDT

07/02/2025

EOTRH stands for Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis. 🦷

This is a painful and progressive condition that predominantly affects horses aged 15 years and older. It mainly affects the incisors and occasionally the canine teeth, but there has been some very rare cases of affected molar teeth.

The condition involves two primary processes:

Resorption: this is where the calcified dental tissue starts to break down by the horse’s own odontoclast cells reabsorbing the dental structures. This process is believed to be immune-mediated.

Hypercementosis: this is the development of excess cementum which occurs as the dental structures are reabsorbed. The body compensates by over producing cementum in an attempt to stabilise the tooth. This results in bulbous or club-like shapes forming at the apex of the tooth.

The presentation of EOTRH can vary greatly between horses. Some horses exhibit more dominant with hypercementosis, others are more dominant with resorption.
The disease may progress rapidly in some cases but slowly in others.

Due to its progressive nature, early clinical signs may be subtle or go unnoticed until the disease reaches an advanced stage.

Common symptoms include:
•Tartar buildup due to reluctance to use the incisors
•Bulbous dental structures beneath the gumline (caused by hypercementosis)
•Diastemata (gaps between teeth), leading to food entrapment, gingival recession, and periodontal disease
•Red, inflamed gums with draining tracts due to infection
•Loose, fractured, or missing teeth
•Halitosis

Affected horses often struggle to bite into carrots or pull hay from a haynet. Some may develop headshaking, and severe cases can lead to weight loss.

Diagnosis of EOTRH is confirmed through X-rays, which will reveal the extent of resorption and hypercementosis. Currently, the only effective treatment is the extraction of affected teeth by a vet. Each case requires an individualised approach depending on the severity of the disease. Horses adapt very well following extraction, and their improvement highlights the level of pain they were experiencing before treatment.

The cause of EOTRH remains unknown, current studies are exploring periodontal ligament strains, bacterial causes, occlusal pressures, and genetics, however it’s likely to be multi factorial. As our understanding of the disease grows with ongoing research we hope to develop more effective management strategies.

Regular incisor checks are super important to identify signs of EOTRH early. If you suspect EOTRH, consult your EDT or Vet, early intervention can help minimise discomfort for your horse!

09/01/2025

18/12/2024

Well that’s it for 2024….where have the last 12 months gone! Time seems to go quicker the older you get.

I’d like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2025. Thank you all for your continued support and I look forward to seeing you and your equine friends in the New Year.

Best Wishes,
Lynsey, Sam, Robyn, Frank the doggo and Nelliehorse ❤️🎄

31/10/2024

🎃🎃🎃 HAPPY HALLOWEEN from the Brookes family 🎃🎃🎃

29/10/2024

APPOINTMENT TAKEN

💥 Existing customers in the Barnsley area 💥

I have a rare 3 appointments available in the Barnsley area on Friday 29 November if your horse is due.

(These are my only available appointments in November and sorry but I am not taking on new clients)

26/10/2024

Hi All,

Quick payments update:

As per payment reminders that are sent out, all outstanding online transfer payments will be sent a payment link if nothing has been received within 48 hours post visit.

The payment links that are sent will have an additional £2.50 charge due to charges from SumUp.

This is also my invoice to you, you have up to 7 days to pay this as per my terms and conditions when you book an apt.

Cash/Transfer: on the day payments only
Card payments: at time of apt only
Payment links: payment within 7 days (post 7 days and additional charges will be made)

Many Thanks
LB Equine Dentistry

06/10/2024

Decembers appointment reminders will be going out in the next couple of days.

I am only working 2.5 weeks throughout December so apts are limited.

Please let me know if you would like to book in.

Many Thanks, LB.

03/10/2024

Mind the gap! 🔍🦷

A diastema (singular) or diastemata (plural) refers to an abnormal space between teeth. Normally, horses have six cheek teeth in each dental arcade, tightly positioned to function as a single grinding unit. However, if a gap exists between these teeth then food can become trapped. A UK study indicated that 49.9% of horses of all ages are affected. The prevalence of diastemata increases in horses over the age of 15.

Diastemata are classified into two types:

Primary Diastemata

These are developmental in nature and can occur due to improper rostral-caudal angulation, dental buds that are too far apart, or teeth that are developmentally displaced or rotated.

Secondary Diastemata

These are acquired and may result from tooth displacement, pressure from occlusal overgrowths, drifting teeth following extraction, or the natural tapering of teeth with age, leading to senile diastemata.

There are two types of diastemata based on the gap's shape:

Open Diastema: The gap is the same width from top to bottom.

Valve Diastema: The top of the gap is narrower than the bottom, which can cause food impaction.

If food becomes impacted then bacteria can proliferate leading to gingivitis, and the breakdown of periodontal ligaments causing periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is considered the most painful condition in the horses mouth. Signs of periodontal disease includes quidding, halitosis, and in severe cases, weight loss.

The treatment of diastemata should be approached on a case-by-case basis. First steps include clearing any impacted food and good quality dentistry. In some cases, further intervention and referral to a veterinary surgeon may be necessary. More advanced treatments involve using materials to bridge the diastemata, preventing food from becoming trapped and promoting gum healing. In cases of valve diastemata, mechanically widening the top of the gap can facilitate less trapping of food material, which can be an effective solution. In some severe cases of displaced teeth, extraction may also be an option. Additionally, dietary adjustments may be required.

Every diastema is individual, therefore it’s important to discuss with your EDT regarding long term management.

01/10/2024

Hello October! 🍁🍂

As you prepare for the colder months ahead, now is the perfect time to ensure your horse's dental care is up to date. If it’s been over a year since their last treatment, it’s really important to have them checked before winter. It’s especially important in older horses who may be prone to weight loss or may have reduced chewing surfaces.

A thorough dental treatment will ensure your horse is free from discomfort, detect early signs of dental disease, improve chewing efficiency, and allow them to perform at their best. Regular dental care will also help prevent future dental problems.

All our BAEDT members receive extensive training and are rigorously examined, ensuring the highest standards of care. Each member is approved by BEVA/BVDA, so you can feel confident your horse is in experienced hands.

Take the first step in preparing your horse for winter. Visit www.baedt.com to find a qualified equine dental technician near you!

08/09/2024

It’s a common misconception that a horse’s teeth keep growing indefinitely. In reality, horses have evolved to have hypsodont dentition, meaning they have teeth with a large reserve crown that gradually erupts over their lifetime whilst being worn down through grazing.

The teeth erupt and wear down at a rate of approximately 2-4mm per year. This process means that the length of the hypsodont tooth is finite; eventually, the tooth will wear down completely as the horse ages.

If dental overgrowths occur and are not properly managed, they will continue to worsen over time because the teeth will continue erupting. Regular dental check-ups are essential to address these issues and maintain your horse’s oral health.

22/08/2024

Wolf Teeth

🦷 Wolf teeth are usually found on the upper jaw positioned in front of the first molars (06s), and less commonly on the lower jaw.
🦷 Wolf teeth typically erupt after 6 months of age.
🦷Wolf teeth are vestigial remnants, meaning they no longer serve a functional purpose. Their shape, size, and root length can vary widely.
🦷 Wolf teeth are found in both males and females, research suggests they are found in 13-40% of horses.
🦷 Wolf tooth removal is often considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on whether they interfere with the bit or cause any discomfort.

Canine Teeth

🦷 Equines can have four canines in total, two on the upper jaw and two on the lower jaw.
🦷 Canines are situated in the interdental space, just behind the incisors.
🦷 Canines typically erupt between 4.5 to 6 years of age.
🦷 Canines are a fighting tooth, while predominantly found in males, some females may have rudimentary canines which are generally smaller.
🦷 Canine teeth are prone to calculus buildup, which can lead to gingivitis. Regular dental check ups are necessary to remove the calculus and maintain oral health.

20/08/2024

Septembers appointment reminders will be going out over this week.

I have very few apts left so if your horse is due, please get in touch.

Many Thanks
LB

02/08/2024

🐴After the full day conference on Saturday 5th October, we will be hosting a Head Anatomy and Dissection Course on the Sunday 6th October.

💥This is a one-day course which will be delivered by Lucinda Stockley from Equus 360.It will cover an exploration into the working biomechanics of equine head and dental anatomy, muscles of mastication and the TMJ; as well as much much more.❗️

To find out more, to see prices and to book on please visit the link below.⬇️

Equine Head Anatomy and Dissection Course. - Equine Dental Conference (tridentequineconference.com)

19/07/2024

Tickets for our 2024 conference are now on sale. 😊

Join us for the annual Trident Equine Dental Conference; this year it is being held at The Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster. 🐾

Runningon Saturday the 5th of October, we will be hosting international and industry leading live speakers. 🔊

Our tickets prices will not only get you the full day at The Equine Dental Conference but also free access to the Wildlife Park on the day, followed by a free return ticket to the park which will be valid for the next year. 🎟️

A must visit event, book on from the link below!

TriDent Equine Dental Conference 2024 - Equine Dental Conference (tridentequineconference.com)