The oral health care of your horse is a vital part of their overall care. In this post, our Versailles equine veterinarians share some symptoms of teeth problems in horses and how to care for your horse's teeth properly.
Causes of Bad Teeth in Horses
Like humans, horses get two sets of teeth in their lifetime. The baby teeth, also called deciduous teeth, are temporary. These teeth begin to be replaced by adult teeth around age two. By age five, most horses have their full set of permanent teeth.
A horse’s teeth are continuously erupting throughout their entire life. They also chew their food by moving their jaws from side to side in a figure-eight motion. The combination of these two factors results in sharp points along the outside of the upper cheek teeth and the inside of the lower cheek teeth. Over a year, these points can develop enough to damage the soft tissues in the mouth as your horse chews. Horses can also have dental abnormalities or poor dental conformation, which will worsen if not addressed.
Common Dental Issues For Horses
Horses can experience various dental issues if their teeth are not properly maintained. Some examples include:
- Sharp points form on cheek teeth, causing lacerations of cheeks and tongue
- Deciduous teeth that have not fallen out
- Discomfort caused by bit contact with the wolf teeth
- Hooks forming on the upper and lower cheek teeth
- Lost, broken, misaligned, or worn teeth
- Abnormal or uneven bite planes
- Abnormally long teeth
- Infected teeth or gums
- Periodontal (gum) disease
What are the symptoms of tooth pain in horses?
The signs of tooth pain or infection in horses can include:
- Loss of body condition
- Nasal discharge or swelling of the face, jaw, or mouth tissues
- Foul odor from the mouth or nostrils, or traces of blood in the mouth
- Loss of feed from mouth while eating, difficulty with chewing, or excessive salivation
- Large or undigested feed particles in manure
- Poor performance, such as tugging on the bridle, failing to turn or stop, and even bucking
- Head tilting or tossing, bit chewing, fighting the bit, or resisting bridling
You know your horse better than anyone. If your horse starts showing signs or behaviors that seem out of character, it's time to schedule an appointment at our equine hospital in Versailles.
How do vets diagnose tooth problems in horses?
Diagnosing dental issues in horses primarily relies on a physical examination followed by an oral examination. Horses usually require a sedative for a thorough evaluation of the mouth. Sometimes, general anesthesia may be necessary. Diagnostics at an equine veterinary hospital may include bloodwork and imaging like X-rays.
Treating Dental Issues in Horses
Having your vet examine your horse's teeth annually is the best way to maintain the health of your horse's mouth. Your horse vet in Versailles may perform a procedure commonly known as 'floating.' Floating is essentially grinding down the points of your horse's teeth.
Floating helps remove the sharp points from the enamel of your horse's teeth, smooth them out, correct any malocclusions, and address other dental health issues. Floating is performed under sedation in order to limit the amount of anxiety and stress that is placed on your horse. This also allows your equine vet to achieve optimal results.
Age & Your Horses Teeth
Your horse's age will impact the dental care they may need. Once an overall examination has been completed, your vet will better understand your horse's needs. Some typical effects of age on the dental health of horses include:
- Foals should be examined shortly after birth and often during the first year to diagnose and correct congenital dental issues.
- Mature horses should get a thorough dental examination annually to maintain correct dental alignment and diagnose dental problems.
- Horses going into training for the first time need a comprehensive dental check-up before training begins to prevent training problems related to sharp teeth.
- Horses aged two to five years may require more frequent dental exams because deciduous teeth are softer than permanent teeth and may develop sharp enamel points more quickly.
- Horses 17 years old or older are at increased risk for developing periodontal disease. This painful disease must be diagnosed early for successful treatment. Beyond age 20, tooth surfaces may be worn excessively or unevenly, and dental alignment correction may be impossible.
Does your horse need emergency care at an equine specialty hospital?
Bad teeth in horses can lead to difficulty eating, weight loss, and behavioral issues. While not always an emergency, it is important to address dental issues promptly to prevent further complications and maintain the horse's overall health and well-being. If you have any concerns, please reach out to the team at our equine animal hospital in Versailles.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding equine animals, or professional advice regarding equine regulations. For the diagnosis of your animal's condition and help to navigate regulations governing the care and transportation of equine animals, please contact your vet.