It is difficult to emphasize just how important good oral hygiene and dental attention are for the domestic horse. Dental care is sometimes overlooked by owners as teeth are not clearly visible.
A check up is essential for a balanced and comfortable mouth. Prevention is better than cure as what starts out as a minor problem will accelerate over time.
Signs that a horse may need dental care: • Reluctance to eat, does not finish food • Dull coat, weight loss, loss of condition • Quidding • Chewing with the mouth open • Turns head to the side while chewing • Foul smell from mouth or nose • Draining of abscess from the jaw • Discharge from one nostril • Undigested feed in manure • Colic • Excessive salivation • Facial swelling
Additionally, many problems under saddle can be tooth-related:Head tossing • Difficulty in picking up the canter • Tilting of the head while riding • Refusal to collect • Bucking • Difficulty in getting the horse on-the-bit
However, many horses do not show any of these signs, and suffer in silence. Please contact me to discuss your horse's dental needs.
