Examination and Signs of Problems
Signs of Dental Problems
Horses can show a variety of signs that may indicate a dental problem, however, it is still important to get your horse’s teeth ckecked regularly regardless of any symptoms being shown as many horses will suffer in silence and serious problems can be prevented. Some of the signs to look for that may indicate a dental problem are; head shaking and difficultly when being ridden (may be worse on one rein), bad breath, dropping of food from the mouth, loss of appetite, choke, weight loss, facial swellings, sinusitis and excessive salivation. If any of these are seen a veterinary surgeon should be contacted.
Examination
A thorough examination of the mouth is an essential part of equine dentistry. The head should first be examined to feel for any external swellings, pain around the temporomandibular joint or enlargement of any lymph nodes. A ‘gag’ should then be used to firstly look carefully into the mouth using a torch and to then palpate all the teeth. To carry out this part of the examination we are of the opinion that a ‘gag’ must always be used so that the examination can be performed safely and to a high enough standard. After this examination the vet or equine dentist can carry out the necessary treatments and corrections.