DENTISTRY TABLE TOPIC

"Dental Concerns of Older Horses" was the focus of one lunchtime Table Topic, with subjects ranging from diet selection to systemic illness to sedation. With veterinarians filling all seats and standing against the walls, discussion was lively at times.

"Don't be too quick to assume that if an old horse is in bad shape, it's because of his teeth," said one attendee, noting that several systemic conditions can cause weight loss in the older horse. Another reported success with systemic antibiotics in a thin, older horse with mouth sores; the horse had low-grade septicemia (bacterial infection in the blood).

Diet ingredients were discussed with the obvious emphasis on feeds that are easy for a horse with poor teeth. All pellets aren't created equal, said one attendee; some are rock-hard and require hard chewing (many old horses cannot effectively chew these hard pellets), while others break down very quickly in saliva. Another recommended using a complete feed for older horses with trouble keeping on weight. One moderator, David Foster, VMD, of New Jersey, recommended that a veterinarian be called to examine any old horse which suddenly begins to lose weight. Another attendee suggested that when evaluating older horses, veterinarians should ask to see a sample of the horse's feed so he/she can recommend changes, if necessary