Regular dental check-ups are vital for maintaining your horse’s overall health. Unlike humans, horses’ teeth continuously erupt throughout their lives, compensating for the wear that occurs during normal mastication or ‘chewing’. This unique dental characteristic is a result of their evolutionary adaptation to highly abrasive diets and low-energy foodstuffs on sandy soils.
However, modern horse management practices have led to a significant change in their dietary habits. With relatively easily digestible and less abrasive diets, horses now experience limited wear on their teeth. This can promote incisor and cheek teeth abnormalities, which can exacerbate over time if left untreated.
The Importance of Dental Care in Horses
As hindgut fermenters, horses rely heavily on effective nutrient intake from the small intestines. Healthy teeth play a crucial role in chewing and crushing food, making dental care essential for their nutritional well-being. Moreover, as prey animals, horses can hide dental pain, making regular check-ups vital for preventing and detecting dental issues.Frequency of Dental Treatments
The frequency of dental treatments depends on your horse’s age and health. As a general guideline:- Horses under 6 and over 15 years old may require bi-annual treatments
- Other horses may need annual treatments
- Horses with severe pathology may require treatment every 3 months
What Are Common Dental Problems in Horses?
Untreated dental issues can lead to various problems, including:- Sharp enamel points causing painful ulcers
- Hooks and ramps restricting jaw movement
- Diastema/food pockets leading to inflamed gums
- Erupted or retained wolf teeth
- Retained deciduous teeth interfering with permanent teeth emergence
What to Expect During a Dental Visit
Our experienced vet Louisa will:- Discuss any observed problems
- Conduct a thorough examination
- Identify and treat dental conditions
- Provide a report and recommend future care
- Administer a tetanus vaccination if necessary
- Offer additional services, such as selenium testing
The Importance of Sedation in Equine Dentistry
Sedation is crucial for ensuring the safety and comfort of your horse during dental treatments. It allows for a more thorough examination and treatment of dental issues, while also reducing joint discomfort and stress.
