Changes

==Retained deciduous teeth==

==Retained deciduous teeth==

teeth for evidence of loose caps. If present, they may be removed using a specialised ‘cap extractor’ or a long slim-bladed instrument. Both sides of the mouth should be compared to assess if the corresponding, contra-lateral cap has already shed; if not, it can also be extracted.

teeth for evidence of loose caps. If present, they may be removed using a specialised ‘cap extractor’ or a long slim-bladed instrument. Both sides of the mouth should be compared to assess if the corresponding, contra-lateral cap has already shed; if not, it can also be extracted.

The retention of caps may predispose to delayed eruption of the underlying permanent cheek tooth and the development of '''eruption cysts''' (three- or four-year-old ‘bumps’) on the mandible under the developing apices (‘root area’) of the permanent cheek teeth. The presence of very enlarged eruption cysts, especially if unilateral, should prompt a referral

The retention of caps may predispose to delayed eruption of the underlying permanent cheek tooth and the development of '''[[Eruption Cysts|eruption cysts]]''' (three- or four-year-old ‘bumps’) on the mandible under the developing apices (‘root area’) of the permanent cheek teeth. The presence of very enlarged eruption cysts, especially if unilateral, should prompt a referral

to a veterinary surgeon for a thorough oral and, if necessary, radiographic examination for the presence of retained deciduous cheek teeth or apical infection.

to a veterinary surgeon for a thorough oral and, if necessary, radiographic examination for the presence of retained deciduous cheek teeth or apical infection.

==Rostral positioning of the upper cheek teeth==  

==Rostral positioning of the upper cheek teeth==  

A common dental abnormality in donkeys is a rostral (forward) positioning of the upper cheek teeth arcades relative to their mandibular (lower) counterparts. In many cases this abnormality is associated with the presence of [[Donkey - Disorders of Incisor Teeth#Brachygnathism and Prognathism|‘parrot mouth’]]. Because the upper and lower cheek teeth rows are not in full contact in this condition, this leads to the development of obvious localised [[Dental Overgrowths - Donkey|dental overgrowths]] (‘hooks’) on the rostral aspects of the first upper cheek teeth (106 and 206) that may interfere with the bit. If small, these hooks can be rasped level. If large, especially in a younger donkey, power tools may be used to reduce them. Similar overgrowths on the caudal aspect of the last (sixth) lower cheek teeth (311 and 411) are frequently undetected and

A common dental abnormality in donkeys is a rostral (forward) positioning of the upper cheek teeth arcades relative to their mandibular (lower) counterparts. In many cases this abnormality is associated with the presence of [[Incisor Teeth Disorders - Donkey#Brachygnathism and Prognathism|‘parrot mouth’]]. Because the upper and lower cheek teeth rows are not in full contact in this condition, this leads to the development of obvious localised [[Dental Overgrowths - Donkey|dental overgrowths]] (‘hooks’) on the rostral aspects of the first upper cheek teeth (106 and 206) that may interfere with the bit. If small, these hooks can be rasped level. If large, especially in a younger donkey, power tools may be used to reduce them. Similar overgrowths on the caudal aspect of the last (sixth) lower cheek teeth (311 and 411) are frequently undetected and

can lacerate the adjacent oral mucosa during mastication. The presence of ‘parrot mouth’ and of hooks on the first upper cheek teeth should always prompt a thorough examination of the caudal lower cheek teeth.

can lacerate the adjacent oral mucosa during mastication. The presence of ‘parrot mouth’ and of hooks on the first upper cheek teeth should always prompt a thorough examination of the caudal lower cheek teeth.

* Dacre, I., Dixon, P. and Gosden, L. (2008) Dental problems In Svendsen, E.D., Duncan, J. and Hadrill, D. (2008) ''The Professional Handbook of the Donkey'', 4th edition, Whittet Books, Chapter 5

* Dacre, I., Dixon, P. and Gosden, L. (2008) Dental problems In Svendsen, E.D., Duncan, J. and Hadrill, D. (2008) ''The Professional Handbook of the Donkey'', 4th edition, Whittet Books, Chapter 5