PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Periodontal disease (PD) is defined as a set of inflammatory conditions of bacterial origin which affects horses of all ages but especially geriatric horses. It is correlated with premature tooth loss sialorrhea pain dysphagia and progressive weight loss. In most cases it is secondary to malocclusion irregular tooth wear decompensated masticatory biomechanics which predisposes to food compaction in the interproximal spaces and bacterial colonization. As the condition progresses the periodontal ligaments become compromised causing tooth mobility. Diagnosis can be difficult especially in the caudal region of the oral cavity. The drug of choice for prophylaxis and treatment of oral disorders is chlorhexidine. In addition metronidazole is cited as a potential antimicrobial. In order to improve treatment the intra-lesional application of platelet-enriched plasma has emerged as an innovative option with promising results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the evolution of different treatments for PD in premolars and molars of adult horses.