Annual Dental Exams Important for Horse Health

Going to the dentist annually is not only necessary for humans; it is an important part of equine health. Annual dental exams are extremely important for horses young and old to help ensure the animals comfort and performance.

Cleet Griffin,

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Going to the dentist annually is not only necessary for humans; it is an important part of equine health. Annual dental exams are extremely important for horses young and old to help ensure the animals’ comfort and performance.

Cleet Griffin, DVM, Dipl. ABVP, a clinical assistant professor at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine Biomedical Sciences can testify that horses are known to develop a number dental problems that may cause pain and lead to poor performance. But how will a horse owner know when the animal is experiencing dental problems, and when they need to call the veterinarian? Griffin stated that dental problems may be subtle or obvious, but the following are a few cardinal signs that a horse may need to have its teeth examined: dropping quite a bit of feed while eating, holding its head tilted to the side while chewing, eating slowly, spitting out large balls of poorly chewed hay, presence of excessively long fibers in the stool, or foul breath.

Signs of dental pain during riding might include chewing on the bit, noticing blood-tinged saliva from the mouth, or shaking the head excessively.

�Horses should have their teeth examined by a veterinarian at least once a year to ensure high dental health, but if any of these symptoms are displayed, it is very important for the owner to have the horse examined in the near future,� said Griffin

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