Online Lecture - Diagnosing & Management of Oral Injuries (incl. Intra-Oral Foreign Bodies & Bitting Injuries) (Recorded December 2022)

CONTENT DESCRIPTION

Most oral injuries are caused by improper use of the bit (e.g. “Polo Pony Mouth”). The bit should not be used to punish the horse or by using constant bit pressure, to balance the rider. Bit damage can vary from mucosal damage to the commissures of the lips and interdental space (bars of the mouth – mainly the lower), to mandibular periostitis, sequestration or even osteomyelitis. Bit damage can also cause high wear on the lower Triadan 06s (first cheek tooth) and even cause deep periodontal disease and apical infection of these teeth. The use of a damaged bit can cause similar problems. The buccal and lingual mucosa can be damaged by sharp edges of acute “idiopathic” and traumatic cheek teeth fractures. Severe iatrogenic dental trauma can be caused by the unvalidated procedures of “incisor reduction” and “bit seating” that may kill the teeth. Severe tongue damage can occur after falls with a bit in place, also from a riderless horse treading on its reins, neglect of “tongue ties” and from a horse eating too soon after mandibular (with inadvertent lingual) nerve blocks. Intra-oral foreign bodies often accompanied by abscessation can cause acute and painful oral dysphagia that may be difficult to diagnose but radiography is of great value in diagnosing such cases.