Mark Thorne - Equine Dental Services

14/02/2025

💕 Roses are red,

Violets are blue,

Happy horses start with,

A healthy chew! 💕

❤️🥰 Happy Valentines Day 🥰❤️

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!

05/02/2025

There’s so much more to equine dentistry than just blindly rasping edges of teeth! A thorough examination is absolutely essential…

24/01/2025

With an extensive range of mini dental equipment I am well equipped to handle the little guys too!

It’s easy to overlook the dental needs of small ponies, especially those on restricted diets for weight management. However, these smaller equines sometimes face unique dental challenges due to the size of their petite heads. These tiny heads must accommodate the same number of teeth as their larger counterparts, 12 incisors and 24 molars, however with limited space it can often result in significant dental problems.

Smaller breeds, such as Welsh As, Welsh Bs, and Shetlands, are particularly prone to:

• Overcrowding and tooth displacement: This can lead to diastemata (gaps between teeth) and painful periodontal disease.

• Uneven wear patterns: Misaligned teeth wear abnormally, leading to occlusal overgrowths which can impact comfort and chewing efficiency.

• Missing molars: Due to lack of space sometimes molars are absent, therefore the opposing teeth will hyper-erupt, leading to large, very uncomfortable overgrowths that will continually worsen over time if not addressed. These large overgrowths will cause a lot of pain over their lifetime and will cause difficulty eating.

Routine dental checks, at least once or twice per year, are so important for ensuring:

• Early detection of dental disease and discomfort.

• Proper maintenance of chewing surfaces to promote efficient mastication.

• Comfort from sharp enamel points and occlusal overgrowths, which are inevitable without intervention.

Since horses, ponies, and donkeys have hypsodont teeth (continuously erupting throughout their lives), dental issues will ALWAYS escalate if left untreated.

At this time of year, equine dental technicians frequently encounter older small ponies struggling to chew hay. Often, these ponies have been overlooked due to their reputation as “good doers.” Unfortunately, by the time their difficulty eating is noticed, their dental issues may be severe, causing unnecessary pain and possibly even malnutrition.

By prioritising regular dental care, we can improve the welfare of these animals. Together, we can ensure they remain comfortable, healthy, and able to enjoy their food as they age.

23/12/2024

I’m just home from my last day of work before Christmas and I would like to wish all my clients, their families and their wonderful equines a merry Christmas and a very happy New Year. I shall now be taking a few days off, then returning to work on the 30th December, & then having a couple of days off for New Year and then back to work on 3rd January.
The diary for the New Year is rapidly filling so please get in touch if you would like to make an appointment. Cheers! 🥂

17/12/2024

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.

19/11/2024

I had a little bit of help from a very friendly stable cat today!

10/11/2024

On Remembrance Sunday, we honour not only the men and women who served but also the animals who stood beside them, their courage in service will never be forgotten.

05/11/2024

Quidding can be caused by a number of dental problems and is usually due to either the horse being in pain or because they are physically unable to chew long fibre forage efficiently. In pain related cases, the horse may be avoiding chewing in a specific area of the mouth due to discomfort. This can result from conditions such as periodontal disease caused by diastemata, or fractured, displaced, or even loose teeth, which may be causing soft tissue injury. In cases where they are physically unable to chew efficiently, the horse might be struggling due to uneven grinding surfaces, large malocclusions restricting lower jaw movement, or excessive tooth wear from old age, resulting in lack of occlusion and therefore compromised chewing ability.

If you notice your horse quidding, it’s crucial to have them checked by your EDT promptly. A thorough dental examination will identify the cause of the quidding, allowing you to discuss a treatment plan with your EDT and potentially any dietary changes.

If your horse lives out over winter, remember to regularly check the area around the hay for signs of quidding. It’s also important to monitor body condition under rugs throughout the season.

Regular lifelong dental care provides peace of mind, ensuring your horse is free from discomfort and allows early detection of any dental issues. If it’s been more than a year since their last checkup, now is a key time to book one, giving them the best chance to maintain body condition through the winter. Waiting for problems to arise may mean they are more difficult to manage long term.

31/10/2024

We hope you have a Fang-tastic day! 🎃👻💀

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

A few appointments left for November!

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!

20/09/2024

✨FAQ Friday ✨

12/09/2024

Even though your broodmare isn’t in active work, regular dental treatments are still an important part of their welfare. Regular routine treatments will ensure they are comfortable, identify any dental problems early, and avoid any other potential dental problems in the future, this will allow efficient mastication and therefore ensure they receive adequate nutrition.

Broodmares are often overlooked, but it's essential to prioritise their dental care when it's safe to do so. Waiting for dental problems to arise may lead to problems becoming more difficult to manage.

Don’t let your broodmares be forgotten — make sure you schedule their dental checks regularly with a BAEDT member!

06/09/2024

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.

30/08/2024

✨ FAQ Friday ✨