The gold standard of dental care: the geriatric horse.

Authors :: du Toit N
Rucker BA
Source :: The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice [Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract] 2013 Aug; Vol. 29 (2), pp. 521-7, viii. Date of Electronic Publication: 2013 May 18.
Publication Year :: 2013
Abstract: Changes in normal equine dental anatomy with age result in dental disease specific to the geriatric horse. The culmination of dental disease throughout the life of a horse often results in advanced dental disease. Treatment of specific dental disease conditions has to be adapted for older horses to compensate for reduction in reserve crown and occlusal enamel. Ensuring oral comfort and maximizing masticatory ability are the mainstays of geriatric dental treatment. Recognition of dental disease common to older horses ensures that correct treatment is applied. Older patients often require long-term management changes, such as dietary modification, to manage dental disease effectively.<br /> (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)