OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Retained Caps, Deciduous Teeth
Summary
Each permanent tooth in the mouth has an eruption time. For most teeth, the permanent tooth displaces the preexisting deciduous or baby tooth. The thin, small baby tooth is adhered to the crown of the new permanent. With time, it usually loosens and falls off.
In some cases though, these "caps" can hang on, causing irritation to the soft tissues of the mouth and trapping feed material. This problem appears similar to other mouth or dental problems, i.e. difficulty chewing and discomfort with a bit.
Overly aggressive removal of caps before their time can result in long term serious problems for the permanent. The baby tooth has a protective function for the budding permanent tooth.
In some cases though, these "caps" can hang on, causing irritation to the soft tissues of the mouth and trapping feed material. This problem appears similar to other mouth or dental problems, i.e. difficulty chewing and discomfort with a bit.
Overly aggressive removal of caps before their time can result in long term serious problems for the permanent. The baby tooth has a protective function for the budding permanent tooth.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
Very Common
Less Common
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
Good with appropriate timing on removal of caps.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.
Very Common
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- Does that cap really need to be removed now?
Prevention
Annual or semi-annual dental exam by a vet with an interest in equine dentistry is recommended.
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health
Outside Resources
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