severe periodontal disease

I noticed last Thursday that my horse was not eating much of his grain and he ws dropping a lot of hay. Since then I have had the vet out and he told me that my horse has severe periodontal disease. He has an abscess on his cheek and several on his bottom gum. His gums and receding and he is having trouble eating. The vet told my to give him some bute for the pain and he gave me some antibiotics. If those don't get him eating more agressively, I don't know what to do. He is not eating his beetpulp and grain but I am going to try some alphalpha cubes and/or rice bran. If anyone has any suggestions, please comment.
-Jeana

What about an equine dentist? He should definatley be able to help.
His absess's will be caused by his teeth, so as well as taking bute and anti=biotics it might be worthwhile his teeth being done too. :)

Sorry I didn't mention this, but my vet is an equine dentist aswell, so I've already been down that road. He did my horses teeth while he was here, but he's kinda stumped on what to do next if the bute and anitbiotics don't work. :(

What sort of anti-biotics has your vet given you? I have heard of a oral antibiotic, which you rub on the infected areas inside the mouth (gums etc), but for the life of me cant find out where I read about it. Maybe your vet would know?
Also I remember reading about diet, this can more often than not contribute to the disease. Has your vet said anything about this too?
What do you feed him? There are certain grains that have a high sugar content etc, this can add to the problem, might be worthwhile speaking to your local feed merchant, they might be able to advise you of certain feeds that may help.
Sorry to ask so many questions, but it cant be nice for either of you. xx

oh okay well thank you I appreciate it. The antibiotic is a sulpha of some type. I'll ask him about a rub on antibiotic. We're feeding him his regular hay and beet pulp. He isn't eating him bp though so today I was planning on going to try some soaked alphalpha cubes w/ some rice bran and I'll add some oil in there. Any other suggestions??