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Why Do We Float Our Horses Teeth?

  • Remove sharp points and hooks on teeth

  • Prevent the formation of cheek and tongue ulcers

  • Help the horse’s teeth wear down evenly to allow proper chewing

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What to Look for During a Dental Examination?

  • Discoloration on the tongue

  • Ensure there are no wolf teeth remaining

  • Ensure all teeth are present and there are no tooth fractures

  • Packing of feed in the teeth

  • Signs of periodontal disease

  • Ulcers on the tongue & cheeks

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  • Head shape and symmetry 

  • Abnormalities

  • Lymph node size

  • Muscles of mastication [chewing]

  • TMJs [temporomandibular joint]

  • Estimation of the horses age by inspecting the incisors

  • Ensure the jaw has proper range of motion

  • Loose caps in younger horses

How Often Should Horses Have Their Teeth Floated?

  • Starting at their newborn examination, horses should receive a dental examination every six to twelve months 

  • After horses are six years or older they should receive annual dental exams or as recommended by your Veterinarian.

Signs that Your Horse is Having Dental Problems.

  • Dropping feed

  • Bad Breath

  • Persistent Weight Loss

  • Tossing their Head

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References

Easily, J. Applied bitting to dental disease. Proceedings of the AAEP Focus Meeting on Dentistry. 2011; 209-212.

 

Gieche, J.M. How to assess oral equine health.  53rd Annual Convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners - AAEP, 2007 - Orlando, FL, USA,  (Ed.). Publisher: American Association of Equine Practitioners, Orlando, FL. Internet Publisher: International Veterinary Information Service, Ithaca NY

 

Stubbs, R.C. Dentistry of equine cheek teeth. 50th Annual Convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, 2004 - Denver, CO, USA,   (Ed.). Publisher: American Association of Equine Practitioners, Lexington KY. Internet Publisher: International Veterinary Information Service, Ithaca NY (www.ivis.org), Last updated: 4-Dec-2004; P1401.1204 (www.ivis.org), Last updated: 5-Dec-2007; P8186.1207

Routine Equine Dental Care

  • Eating Slowly

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