OklahomaHorses Magazine January 2021

January/February 2021 • OklahomaHorses 17 Mares may also have canine teeth in variable numbers, but are typically smaller than in males. Canine teeth should also be monitored as they can become quite sharp and pointed and can cause lacerations within the mouth. Unlike human teeth, horse teeth continue to erupt and wear down from chewing over the life span of the horse. As the long root of the tooth migrates down through the jaw, teeth may become loose or even fall out in the older horse. As veterinary care and nutrition for horses has improved, it is not impossible for a senior horse to outlive his teeth. Specialized feeds, which are more highly processed, can take the place of natural chewing action by the horse. With proper care and nu- trition, horses can still lead happy, healthy lives with relatively few teeth. The nature of the horse’s jaw and chewing patterns can create uneven wear surfaces that can be quite sharp and painful for the horse. As the upper jaw is wider than the lower jaw, the outer surface of the upper jaw and the inner surface of the lower jaw may develop very sharp points and ridges. These can even lacerate the tongue and cheeks of the horse and can be quite painful. While we might think of only older horses needing regular dental care, regular inspection of the horse’s mouth may prevent discomfort and difficulty chewing. Signs of Dental Disease Some symptoms of dental disease point directly to the mouth. However, issues under saddle, such as not taking a lead or head tossing only in one direction, may also be related to dental problems. Horses may have dental disease with- out owners knowing it, especially as symptoms may be as subtle as behavior changes occurring slowly over time. Pain in horses is often difficult to assess, as they are a species which typically is not overtly obvious when they are in pain. Many owners may not call the veterinarian to address dental disorders until signs are quite obvious, which in- dicates advanced dental disease. Dental disorders such as periapical dental infections (essentially a pocket of pus at the root of the tooth) may only be discovered during routine dental inspections or may even require X-rays. Typical symptoms of dental issues in horses: • Loss of weight, especially when relying on grain and hay. • Dropping food while eating. • Nasal discharge from one nostril (usually no cough). • Eating slowly, holding head to one side while eating and other abnormal chewing patterns. • Slow to eat hay or dunking hay in water. • Difficulty with position of head under saddle, poor collection, poor circular moves, fussy with bridle or bit, resistant on one side more than the other, head tossing. • Swellings on face and lower jaw. • Foul odor from mouth. Horses demonstrating symptoms of dental disease often need sedation and the placement of a mouth speculum to visualize problems related to the disease process. A recent study in Finland demonstrated the importance of identifying and addressing dental disease in horses. They surveyed horse owners on perceived behavior changes in their horses following tooth extraction of previously uniden- tified tooth abscesses. As expected, many of the behaviors linked to feed consumption and pain, such as eating slowly, dropping feed or avoiding cold water, improved after teeth extraction (86% report- ed improvements). Bit-related behaviors also improved in 88% of the horses. These behaviors included evading the bit, differences in ability to bend and flex to the left or right, head shaking, opening the mouth and resistance to bridling.   The overall demeanor of the horses improved as well, with notable improvements in social behavior, reduction in aggression and a more positive expression of behaviors. Horses that had been fearful, bucked or were otherwise unpleas- ant to ride or care for, improved after addressing dental disorders. In particular, behavior issues that may be dealt with by harsh punishments were expressions of pain, which reduced follow- ing treatment.  Owners reported improved performance and weight gain as well. This study proved the im- portance of owner consideration of underlying health issues when addressing performance or behavior issues and the health of the mouth of the horse as an important piece of the puzzle.  Bottom line: regular thorough inspection of the horse’s mouth is critical to horse health and well-being. BOTTOM LINE: regular thorough inspection of the horse’s mouth is critical to horse health and well-being.