Canines are VERY important from a dentistry point of view. Please read my post to find out why!
They are short and found in the gap or 'diastema' between the incisor teeth and cheek teeth. Their location and presence can be variable.
They have no function for digestion. So why are they important?
These teeth commonly collect tartar around the gingival margin. This causes inflammation/gingivitis and predisposes them to painful conditions. In addition, they are a common site of tooth fractures in the horse.
These teeth are called brachydont, and unlike the molars, are not able to respond to exposure of the central pulp cavity (the part of the tooth where the nerve and blood supply is). Their pulp cavity is also shallow underneath the tooth surface. Therefore, when the canines become damaged, they commonly need veterinary attention!
Identification of problems sounds simple, but it isn’t.
Damage and painful conditions of these teeth are very hard to spot. Each tooth needs careful inspection following removal of the tartar.
Please see the picture. This was one of our patients that was sedated for a complete oral health check and dental evaluation. Look how easy it would have been to miss the little hole in this tooth had our horse have not been sedated.
The hole in this tooth progresses straight into the painful pulp cavity! These horses often suffer for many months before we find them on our examinations.
Thanks to our dental special and giving our clients the opportunity to have an affordable oral health check, this horse no longer needs to suffer.
This patient is one of many this month that is grateful for our dental specials. Please don’t underestimate the benefits sedation provides for our dental patients!
We look forward to seeing you all next year for our annual promotion of equine dental health!!!