Parâmetros morfológicos da dentição equina.

Abstract

It is considered that the routine care of teeth is essential to the health of horses, including periodic examinations and maintenance of dental records and procedures necessary to compensate for changes that occurred with the advent of domestication and confinement of these animals. Although Brazil has the second largest horse herd in the world with about seven million animals, it is likely that less than 1% receive some type of dental care. Based on the assumption that dental changes may impact on various disorders, from simple rejection of mouths until more serious morbidity, this study set out to address the major structural changes in the teeth of horses, aiming to generate knowledge that can support interventions, husbandry and medicine custody. The methodology consisted of a review of the literature, considering a series of approximately fifteen years, being used preferably located one from 2000. After analysis and discussion of literature, one realizes the importance of using and improving knowledge of morphological changes in the equine teeth and its consequences, in view of the possibility that these may trigger diseases associated with complex physiological changes that can compromise the performance of the animal. Thus, an examination of the oral cavity of the animal at birth, as well as monitoring the process of tooth eruption, in addition to regular reviews of the dental arches, can detect early, oral disorders with possible systemic implications. These procedures associated with control of the general conditions of the horse should prevent disease by keeping your pet healthier, quality of life and more satisfactory performance.