DG18 - Excessive tooth wear
Synonyms
No known synonym
Name of the disease in English
Excessive teeth wear
The disease in brief
This is a more common problem in old ewes, but may exist exceptionally in cattle grazing sandy plots where grass is scarce. Some forages can accelerate tooth wear. If tooth enamel is weakened by mineral deficiency (calcium, copper, etc.), wear will be accelerated.
Clinic & diagnosis
More worn-out than normal permanent or milk incisors are enough to diagnose the problem.
Typical sign of the disease
No description
Pictures
See below
Diagnostic formulas
No description
Differential diagnosis
- Gingivitis-periodontitis N285
- loosening of teeth
Confirm a suspicion?
No confirmation required
Prognosis and treatment
Treatment consists of preserving the cattle from the identified cause, such as removing excessively aggressive forage.
Prevention
Make breeders aware of the need to monitor teeth whenever a risk exists.
References
Large animal internal Medicine-5th edition. SMITH B.BP. Mosby ed p739