Due to a combination of [[Cheek Teeth Disorders - Donkey#Diastema|diastema]] and other abnormalities of wear (especially [[Dental Overgrowths - Donkey|dental overgrowths]]), most older donkeys suffer from secondary periodontal disease. Treatment may include promotion of the normal masticatory activity by mechanically levelling the dental arcades, alleviating painful overgrowths to allow free lateral jaw movement, or totally extracting very loose or diseased teeth. Tetanus prophylaxis, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic therapy may also be indicated. With dietary management, such old donkeys can be satisfactorily maintained after the loss of many of their teeth. | Due to a combination of [[Cheek Teeth Disorders - Donkey#Diastema|diastema]] and other abnormalities of wear (especially [[Dental Overgrowths - Donkey|dental overgrowths]]), most older donkeys suffer from secondary periodontal disease. Treatment may include promotion of the normal masticatory activity by mechanically levelling the dental arcades, alleviating painful overgrowths to allow free lateral jaw movement, or totally extracting very loose or diseased teeth. Tetanus prophylaxis, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic therapy may also be indicated. With dietary management, such old donkeys can be satisfactorily maintained after the loss of many of their teeth. |