Consider how the job of the teeth start the cycle of these important functions:
eating
chewing
digestion
Just like horses we all like to eat, in order to eat a horses teeth are the
only tools to chewing their food. Properly chewing the food aids the body to break down the fuel (grain and hay) they consume.
In order to properly digest a horses fuel must be worked (by the teeth) into a fine, moist state. The mandibular (lower jaw) must
be free to slide side to side, using the edges of the teeth to cut and grind their forage. If even one tooth
grows long it can cause the entire mouth to lock, interfering with the breakdown process of the important grind. Causing
sharp edges to form on the teeth that no longer meet and slide properly. What can we see in severe cases? (going on
to long)
weight loss
dropping grain or hay (quidding)
dull coat appearance
lack of energy
loose stools
These are the obvious signs we can see. How about things that we can't see.
Like pain and discomfort? Should we wait until the above signs are hitting us up side the head? Understand...I
had been one of these owners. I did not understand and thought if my horse maintains his weight and I had not seen him dropping
grain his teeth are fine. We now know how important it is to keep a check on such an important role the teeth play.
Just because you can't see the above signs does not mean something may not be starting.
Other issues that may be related and your horse is trying to tell you could
be:
Bad attitude
Chewing or sliding the teeth on objects.
Head tossing
Rearing or bucking
Lack of performance
Sensitivity to biting
Sensitivity to touching the head, ears or mouth
Being off under saddle
Difficulty with flexion
As you understand the simple process of how impotant dentistry can be I am sure we can spread the
word to our fellow horsemen that dentistry is an essential part of your health care maintainence.
I have tried to edit this page and the information encolsed to target the typical horse owner.
I have attempted to leave out the " Dental lingo." Why? I remember assisting my vets at many farms and one of
the feedbacks I most often heard was. "I wish they would not use so much medical lingo!" Tell it with the everyday skills
my riding groups, show competitors, and neighbors can appreciate. So this is for you.
