Changes

 

Due to a combination of factors, including the limited angle of opening to the mouth, the rostral positioning of the lip commisures (corners), and the length of their dental arcades, it is extremely difficult to visually examine the cheek teeth, particularly the caudal (back) cheek teeth. Palpation through the cheeks may reveal food pocketing or major irregularities (such as a missing tooth or a large overgrowth) of the cheek teeth, particularly of the front three to four upper cheek teeth. Even if no abnormality is palpated, the presence of pain (i.e. the donkey pulling away or flinching) during this procedure usually indicates the presence of sharp enamel overgrowths on the outside of the upper cheek teeth. Donkeys may show visibly restricted mandibular movements that may even be confined to one side of the mouth. By fixing the upper jaw with one hand, the degree of sideways mandibular movement and the animal’s response to this manipulation can be manually and visually assessed.

Due to a combination of factors, including the limited angle of opening to the mouth, the rostral positioning of the lip commisures (corners), and the length of their dental arcades, it is extremely difficult to visually examine the cheek teeth, particularly the caudal (back) cheek teeth. Palpation through the cheeks may reveal food pocketing or major irregularities (such as a missing tooth or a large overgrowth) of the cheek teeth, particularly of the front three to four upper cheek teeth. Even if no abnormality is palpated, the presence of pain (i.e. the donkey pulling away or flinching) during this procedure usually indicates the presence of sharp enamel overgrowths on the outside of the upper cheek teeth. Donkeys may show visibly restricted mandibular movements that may even be confined to one side of the mouth. By fixing the upper jaw with one hand, the degree of sideways mandibular movement and the animal’s response to this manipulation can be manually and visually assessed.

donkeys need to be sedated for dental examination. Repeat examinations can often be performed without sedation in donkeys once they realise that the use of a gag is not painful. Gags are available in various types and sizes, with ‘Hausmann’ type  pony-sized gags being a correct fit for the average adult donkey.

donkeys need to be sedated for dental examination. Repeat examinations can often be performed without sedation in donkeys once they realise that the use of a gag is not painful. Gags are available in various types and sizes, with ‘Hausmann’ type  pony-sized gags being a correct fit for the average adult donkey.

Initially, most donkeys can be examined safely using a '''gag''' without sedation. If using [[Donkey - Anaesthesia and Sedation|sedation]], the dosage rates for a donkey will generally be higher than expected for a horse of similar weight. Once the gag is in place, pushing the thumb off the hard palate will usually cause the donkey to open its mouth further. Food retained in the oral cavity (which further retards visual examination) can be removed by flushing the oral cavity with large syringes of water (or very dilute disinfectant) or, failing that, by manual removal of large food accumulations and later flushing.

Initially, most donkeys can be examined safely using a '''gag''' without sedation. If using [[Anaesthesia and Sedation - Donkey|sedation]], the dosage rates for a donkey will generally be higher than expected for a horse of similar weight. Once the gag is in place, pushing the thumb off the hard palate will usually cause the donkey to open its mouth further. Food retained in the oral cavity (which further retards visual examination) can be removed by flushing the oral cavity with large syringes of water (or very dilute disinfectant) or, failing that, by manual removal of large food accumulations and later flushing.

The use of a '''headlight''' (a penlight torch is much less satisfactory), a '''dental mirror''', a long metal rod or ‘toothpick’ and a specialised metal basket can greatly facilitate visual examination of the equine mouth. Nevertheless, major problems, especially of the caudal upper and lower cheek teeth and of the adjacent periodontal membranes and gums, can easily be missed unless all the teeth and adjacent soft tissues (gums) are carefully palpated or a dental mirror is used. It is also useful to smell one’s hand after oral examination for the presence of '''foul odours''' which usually indicates '''anaerobic infections''', most commonly of the periodontal ligaments but also of the teeth themselves.

The use of a '''headlight''' (a penlight torch is much less satisfactory), a '''dental mirror''', a long metal rod or ‘toothpick’ and a specialised metal basket can greatly facilitate visual examination of the equine mouth. Nevertheless, major problems, especially of the caudal upper and lower cheek teeth and of the adjacent periodontal membranes and gums, can easily be missed unless all the teeth and adjacent soft tissues (gums) are carefully palpated or a dental mirror is used. It is also useful to smell one’s hand after oral examination for the presence of '''foul odours''' which usually indicates '''anaerobic infections''', most commonly of the periodontal ligaments but also of the teeth themselves.

* 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