Dental device

Abstract

A device for assisting in the dental treatment of a ruminant animal, wherein the device is adapted to assist in opening the mouth of the animal, the device comprising: a harness (4) comprising a plurality of straps that are adapted to be secured to the animal's head; securing means (6) to secure the device to a stable structure; a ratchet (8) to assist in opening the mouth of the animal; and at least one removable and adjustable pad (10), the at least one pad being fitted to the ratchet.

Description

[0001] Dental Device

[0002] The present invention relates to a device for assisting in the dental treatment of a ruminant animal such as a bovine, and a method of restraining a ruminant animal preparatory to dental treatment.

[0003] There is a large focus within the agricultural and zoological sector in the UK on the improvement of animal health, welfare and productivity. Research is being carried out in relation to nutritional products for animals and improving the environment within which the animals are housed. However, one area that has been overlooked relates to the dental care of ruminant animals such as cattle. For example, although many millions of pounds are currently spent on improving feed conversion efficiency for cattle, much less money has been spent on developing care for the area of the animal where digestion begins, i.e. the mouth. In order to provide such care effectively it is necessary for practitioners to gain access to the oral cavity of the animal in a safe and controlled manner, particularly where the animal may be a non-domesticated animal, such as are found in zoos or game reserves. This usually requires sedation. However, sedation can present risk to an animal’s health.

[0004] Dental tools have been developed to assist in dental care and prevention for horses. However, there is a need to improve the dental health and treatment for animals such as ruminants.

[0005] According to a first aspect, there is provided a device for assisting in the dental treatment of a ruminant animal, wherein the device is adapted to assist in opening the mouth of the animal, the device comprising: a harness comprising a plurality of straps that are adapted to be secured to the animal’s head; securing means to secure the device to a stable structure; a ratchet to assist in opening the mouth of the animal; and at least one removable and adjustable pad, the at least one pad being fitted to the ratchet.

[0006] Advantageously, the device may be used to open and securely hold the mouth of a said animal in an open position to allow dental treatments to be provided in a safe manner. Preferably, the harness comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion may be fitted securely behind or over one or both ears of the animal, Preferably, the lower portion of the harness may be fitted around the mouth of the animal, Preferably, the upper and lower portions of the harness are connected by one or more straps. Preferably, the harness is fitted to the face of the animal at two points, preferably at points below the eye and about the mouth opening of the animal. Preferably, the straps comprise a nylon material. In one embodiment, the straps may be a first colour, such as black. It is preferred that the straps are adjustable to accommodate a variety of cattle breeds and ages.

[0007] Preferably, the securing means comprises one or more safety attachments to secure and / or tether the animal to a stable structure. Preferably, the safety attachments comprise a plurality of straps to secure the animal to a stable structure. Preferably, the stable structure is a crush (e.g. a livestock crush), i.e. a holding area used to hold animals such as cattle. Advantageously, the provision of a securing means which may be secured to the crush will prevent the animal from shaking its head and thus injuring itself and / or the handler. In one embodiment, the straps of the securing means may comprise a nylon material. In one embodiment, the straps of the securing means may be a second colour, different to the first colour, such as red. Preferably, the straps are adjustable. In one embodiment, the securing means comprises a buckle which may be used to adjust the position of the straps to assist in securing the animal to the structure.

[0008] Preferably, the ratchet comprises a metallic material. In one embodiment, the ratchet may comprise stainless steel. Typically, the ratchet may comprise a screw which may be tightened to move the ratchet from a closed configuration to an open configuration. Preferably, the ratchet comprises a plurality of arms that may be placed into the mouth of the animal. Preferably, the arms may be adjustable. Advantageously, the provision of arms that may be adjustable means that the device can be used on animals of various sizes. Preferably, the harness may be attached to the ratchet. Preferably, the at least one pad comprises a resilient material such as a rubber material. Preferably, the resilient material is a relatively hard rubber material. Preferably, the device comprises an upper pad and a lower pad, wherein the lower pad is that pad that is closest to the chin of the animal. Preferably, the upper and lower pads are fitted to the ratchet. Preferably, the ratchet comprises holding means for holding the upper and lower pads. Preferably, the holding means comprise upper and lower plates provided on the ratchet, wherein the upper and lower plates comprise a metallic material such as stainless steel. Preferably, the holding means comprise fastenings for holding the pads in position. Preferably, the fastenings are adjustable to allow the pads to be set at a suitable place for the animal. Advantageously, this allows for the fact that different sizes and / or breeds and / or ages of animals such as cattle will require a different placement of the pads. In one embodiment, the upper and lower plates are an integral part of the ratchet. Preferably, when inserted within the mouth of the animal, the upper pad may be fitted against the front of the homy pad found on the upper jaw of the ruminant animal and the lower pad may be fitted below the front teeth of the animal. Advantageously, the upper and lower pads are fitted against the delicate structures of the animal’s teeth to protect the teeth during the use of the device. Advantageously, the mouth of the animal may be held open using two removable and adjustable hard rubber pads, fitted to a metal ratchet that will allow the mouth to be held open.

[0009] Preferably, the upper pad and the lower pad are adapted to fit within the gag sockets within the mouth of the animal. Advantageously, the pads may fit securely within the sockets. Preferably, the pads are replaceable and may be removed from the sockets, for example, for cleaning.

[0010] Preferably, the device further comprises means for holding a camera or mobile phone, wherein the camera or mobile phone may be held adjacent the mouth of the animal. Preferably, the means for holding a camera or mobile phone comprises a strap that is connected to the harness and a pocket that is dimensioned to hold the camera or mobile phone. In one embodiment, the means for holding a camera or mobile phone may be a pocket that is sized to accommodate a mobile phone or camera. According to a second aspect, the invention provides a method of restraining a ruminant animal, the method comprising the use of a device as defined hereinabove.

[0011] The invention will be further described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying figures wherein:

[0012] Figure 1 shows a side view of the device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0013] Figure 2 shows a front view of the device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0014] Figure 3 shows a plan view of the pads according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0015] Figure 4 shows a plan view of a ratchet according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0016] Figure 5 shows a front view according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0017] With reference to Figures 1 and 4, there is provided a device for assisting in the dental treatment of a ruminant animal, wherein the device is adapted to assist in opening the mouth of the animal, the device comprising: a harness 4 comprising a plurality of straps that are adapted to be secured to the animal’s head; securing means 6 to secure the device to a stable structure; a ratchet 8 to assist in opening the mouth of the animal; and at least one removable and adjustable pad 10, the at least one pad being fitted to the ratchet. In this example the device is configured for use on a cow.

[0018] The harness 4 comprises an upper portion 4a and a lower portion 4b, wherein the upper portion may be fitted securely behind one or both ears of the cow. The lower portion 4b of the harness may be fitted around the mouth of the cow. The upper and lower portions of the harness are connected by one or more straps 4c. Preferably, the harness is fitted to the face of the cow at two points below the eye and about the mouth opening of the cow. The straps may comprise a nylon material and may be black in colour. The straps of the harness are adjustable. With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the securing means 6 comprises a plurality of straps to secure the cow to a stable structure such as a crush, i.e. a holding area used to hold cattle. Advantageously, the provision of a securing means which may be secured to the crush will prevent the animal from shaking its head and thus injuring itself and / or the handler. The straps of the securing means may comprise a nylon material and may be red in colour. The securing means may further comprise a buckle 12, wherein the buckle assists with the adjustment of the straps to assist in securing the cow to the crush. In one embodiment, the buckle may comprise a metallic material such as stainless steel.

[0019] With reference to Figure 4, the ratchet 8 comprises a metallic material such as stainless steel. The ratchet comprises a screw 16 which may be tightened to move the ratchet from a closed configuration to an open configuration. The ratchet comprises a plurality of arms 14a, 14b that may be placed into the mouth of the cow. The arms 14a and 14b are preferably adjustable so that the device can be used on animals of various sizes. The harness is typically attached to the ratchet.

[0020] The at least one pad 10 comprises a hard rubber material such as silicone. The device comprises an upper pad 10a and a lower pad 10b, wherein the lower pad is that pad that is closest to the chin of the animal. The upper and lower pads are fitted to the ratchet. The ratchet comprises holding means for holding the upper and lower pads. The holding means typically comprise upper and lower plates provided on the ratchet, wherein the upper and lower plates comprise a metallic material such as stainless steel. The holding means may comprise fastenings for holding the pads in position, wherein the fastenings are adjustable to allow the pads to be set at a suitable place for the animal. Advantageously, this allows for the fact that different sizes and / or breeds and / or ages of animals such as cattle will require a different placement of the pads. In one embodiment, the upper and lower plates are an integral part of the ratchet. When inserted within the mouth of the cow, the upper pad may be fitted against the front of the homy pad found on the upper jaw of the cow and the lower pad may be fitted below the front teeth of the cow. Advantageously, the upper and lower pads are fitted against the delicate structures of the cow’s teeth to protect the teeth during the use of the device. Advantageously, the mouth of the cow may be held open using two removable and adjustable hard rubber pads, fitted to a metal ratchet that will allow the mouth to be held open. The upper pad and the lower pad are adapted to fit within the gag sockets within the mouth of the cow. Advantageously, the pads may fit securely within the sockets. Preferably, the pads are replaceable and may be removed from the sockets, for example, for cleaning.

[0021] With reference to Figure 5, the device further comprises means for holding a camera or mobile phone, wherein the camera or mobile phone may be held adjacent the mouth of the animal. Preferably, the means for holding a camera or mobile phone comprises a strap 20 that is connected to the harness and a pocket 22 that is dimensioned to hold the camera or mobile phone. In one embodiment, the pocket may be made of a plastics material, a fabric material, leather, or another suitable material.

[0022] In use, the ratchet 8 is fitted within the mouth of the cow and upper and lower pads placed onto the ratchet in regions of the mouth of the cow that will protect the cow’s teeth. The ratchet is moved from a closed configuration to an open configuration by turning a screw provided on the ratchet. A harness is attached to the ratchet and comprises a plurality of straps that are positioned around the ears and mouth of the cow. A securing means comprising a plurality of straps is attached to the harness and is secured to a stable structure such as a crush. Thus, the device of the present invention assists in holding the mouth of a cow in an open configuration to allow a dental procedure to be carried out on the animal. The device is advantageously secured to a stable structure to hold the head of the animal in a position wherein its movement is restricted, thus assisting the veterinary practitioner carrying out the procedure.

Claims

Claims1. A device for assisting in the dental treatment of a ruminant animal, wherein the device is adapted to assist in opening the mouth of the animal, the device comprising: a harness comprising a plurality of straps that are adapted to be secured to the animal’s head; securing means to secure the device to a stable structure; a ratchet to assist in opening the mouth of the animal; and at least one removable and adjustable pad, the at least one pad being fitted to the ratchet.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the harness comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion may be fitted securely behind one or both ears of the animal and wherein the lower portion of the harness may be fitted around the mouth of the animal.

3. A device according to claim 2, wherein the upper and lower portions of the harness are connected by one or more straps.

4. A device according to claim 3, wherein the one or more straps are adjustable.

5. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the harness is fitted to the face of the animal at two points below the eye and about the mouth opening of the animal.

6. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the securing means comprises safety attachments to secure the animal to a stable structure.

7. A device according to claim 6, wherein the securing means comprises a plurality of straps to secure the animal to a stable structure.

8. A device according to claim 7, wherein the securing means further comprises a buckle.

9. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the ratchet comprises a screw which is adapted to be tightened to move the ratchet from a closed configuration to an open configuration.

10. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the harness is attached to the ratchet.

11. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one pad comprises a rubber material.

12. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one pad is adapted to be fitted to the ratchet.

13. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the position of the at least one pad is configured such that when the device is inserted within the mouth of the animal, an upper pad is fitted against the front of the homy pad found on the upper jaw of the animal and a lower pad is fitted below the front teeth of the animal.

14. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device further comprises means for holding a camera or mobile phone.

15. A device according to claim 14, wherein the means for holding a camera or mobile phone comprises a strap which is attached to the harness and a pocket for holding the camera or mobile phone.

16. A method for restraining a ruminant animal, the method comprising the use of a device according to any preceding claim.

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