Regional Veterinary Surgery

ALVEOLAR PERIOSTITIS

• Inflammation of the alveolar periosteum is alveolar periostitis and it may be classified into two types.
  • Chronic ossifying alveolar periostitis
  • Purulent alveolar periostitis
• The chronic ossifying alveolar periostitis is more common in horses and cattle.
• Suppurative or purulent type of alveolar periostitis is seen commonly in carnivores.

Chronic ossifying alveolar periostitis

• Chronic ossifying alveolar periostitis is characterized by the formation of exostosis on the root of the tooth.
• The lower molars are more commonly affected.
• The 3^rd and 4^th molars are more often diseased than the other teeth.
• The incisors are only rarely affected.

Etiology

• Inflammation of the alveolar periosteum is caused by the presence foreign body or infection.
• Accumulation of food materials or tartar, fracture of the jaw involving the alveolus, caries of the tooth, excessive wear of tooth up to the level of the gum etc. exposes the alveolus to infection.

Symptoms

• Slow mastication, quidding and accumulation of food between the teeth and cheek are seen.
• Food is not chewed in the affected side of the mouth. A peculiar ‘carious’ smell from the mouth is present.
• Receding of the gum and change in the direction of the affected tooth as it becomes loose are also observed.

Treatment

• Extraction of the affected tooth is the treatment.

Purulent alveolar periostitis

• Purulent type of inflammation of alveolar periosteum is commonly seen in dogs.
• Any condition that interferes with attachment of teeth to the gums and alveolus may be considered as a predisposing factor.
• It is a sequel to gingivitis from any cause.
• Accumulation of tartar may be considered as main cause for the condition.
• This condition is commonly seen in dogs maintained on soft food.
• Lack of proper chewing is supposed to predispose softening of gum.
• Gingivitis and alveolar periostitis  in the devitalized gum tissue due to the action of micro organisms.

Symptoms

• The condition is characterized by local inflammation and pus formation.
• The gum will be red, swollen and bleeds easily.
• There will be ulcerations on the gum and deposition of tartar on the teeth.
• Slimy discharge may be seen on the gum or drooling out.
• Halitosis (foul smell from the mouth) will be invariably present.
• Falling of the teeth will be there in due course.

Treatment

• Treatment involves scaling all the teeth and extracting the ones which are diseased, along with enough antibiotic cover.
• A large number of teeth will reattach to the alveolus if the treatment is started before the condition is too  advanced.