Catching dental problems early can help keep your horse healthy. Horses over 5 years old should receive annual checkups; younger horses should be examined twice a year.
The following disorders can signal dental trouble and need immediate veterinary attention:
- Dropping food while eating, difficulty chewing or excessive salivation.
- Loss of body condition.
- Large or undigested feed particles (long stems or whole grain) in manure.
- Head tilting or tossing, bit chewing, tongue lolling, fighting the bit or resisting bridling.
- Poor performance, such as lugging on the bridle, failure to turn or stop, even bucking.
- Foul odor from mouth or nostrils, or traces of blood from the mouth.
- Nasal discharge or swelling of the face, jaw or mouth tissues.
Source: “Learn to Recognize Your Horse’s Dental Problems,” American Association of Equine Practitioners
Further Reading
The Basics of Equine Dentistry
Dental Issues of the Senior Horse
great advice i luv iy sweet and or cool
I think it was very helpful. I need help on another problem, too. My horse is loosing weight because she has lost so many teeth. Please HELP!! I dont want to loose her because of a rapid weight loss.
i have question if your horse is lacking minerals what can u do to help add minerals to his diet?
Great idea to have info to alert us of dental problems before going too far along. I really would love to seem more preventative suggestions on other health issues.
I am sending this to a friend, who’s older horse is alway dropping enough food to feed the chickens.
Good advice Horse Channel!
Cool!
Good advice Horse Channel!
Cool!