Horse Dental Archives -

Does the tooth fairy come to horses?

Horse Dental / Dr Louise Cosgrove / March 16, 2023

Yes, the tooth fairy does come to horses, but not how you may expect. At Exclusively Equine, we have a team of tooth fairies – better known as qualified equine dental veterinarians – who will care for your horse’s teeth during their dental examination. At Exclusively Equine, we recommend that all horses receive their first dental examination between six and 12 months of age, unless dental problems arise earlier. Routine dental care typically involves a dental examination once annually. However, for horses above 16 years of age or those with dental problems, two or more dental examinations each year may be necessary for optimum health. Let’s take a closer look at the work these tooth fairies do… The Dental Examination Just like us, your horse too requires regular visits to the dentist. While the term ‘dental examination’ sounds complex, it simply describes the procedure whereby a qualified equine dental veterinarian examines your horse’s teeth and gums, both visually and manually. Most often, a dental examination will take up to 45 minutes. However, if signs of dental disease are found or if your horse requires a specific dental procedure, such as a tooth extraction, the dental examination may take longer. During a dental examination, your horse maybe placed in a purpose-built crush, and may be given sedation or analgesics to reduce stress and eliminate pain. In addition, a qualified equine veterinarian will also use a powerfloat, hand tools and full mouth speculum (gag). The Qualified Equine Dental Veterinarian Remember, only a qualified equine dental veterinarian is able to prescribe medications and use the specialised equipment required for dental examinations. As such, it’s important when choosing the right dentist for your horse, that you know what to look for. There is much confusion around the term ‘equine dentist’, so we’ve taken the time to explain the key differences between a lay equine dentist and an equine dental veterinarian. Click here to read our article on how to choose the right professional for the job. At Exclusively Equine, our team of equine dental veterinarians have advanced training in both equine dental and veterinary health. This ensures your horse receives only the best health care and any health problems – inside and outside their mouth – are diagnosed early.

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Why do I need a veterinarian to do my horse’s teeth?

Horse Dental / Dr Louise Cosgrove / March 16, 2023

By far, the most important reason to choose your veterinarian to perform all dental examinations is because they’re a qualified professional. They possess the knowledge and skill to care for your horse’s oral health throughout every stage of life. Equine dentistry is a growing field and many equine veterinarians are expanding into this area, along with qualified equine dentists. However, equine veterinarians have several important advantages. Here’s the top three… Veterinarians can sedate A qualified veterinarian is authorised to use sedation to keep your horse calm and comfortable during any routine dental procedure. Non veterinarians cannot legally administer sedation. Veterinarians can prescribe A qualified veterinarian is also authorised to prescribe analgesics (pain relief) during — and following — dental procedures that would otherwise be very painful, such as teeth extractions. Veterinarians can assess A qualified veterinarian has extensive training in horse health, allowing them to diagnose and treat health conditions wider than your horse’s mouth. Your veterinarian can examine your horse, provide nutrition advice and assess lameness issues. In addition, equine veterinarians, including our team at Exclusively Equine Veterinary Services, have access to specialised equipment which can be used on-site or on your own property. At our equine clinic, we have: Portable crush Portable digital x-ray Portable ultrasound Portable endoscope The Dental Examination – What You Can Expect Most dental examinations will take up to 45 minutes, unless your veterinarian encounters a more serious problem, such as a tooth that requires extraction. A qualified veterinarian will use a purpose-built crush and specialised equipment, including a full mouth speculum (gag) and powerfloat. This equipment allows them to manually and visually assess your horse’s teeth and gums, and remove any sharp enamel points with the powerfloat. Every horse under the age of 16 should receive a dental examination at least once a year. Senior horses or those with dental problems may require more frequent treatments.

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How old should my horse be before their first dental?

Horse Dental / Dr Louise Cosgrove / March 16, 2023

Many equine veterinarians agree the first dental should take place between six and 12 months of age. At Exclusively Equine, we usually conduct your horse’s first dental examination at nine to twelve months of age, unless dental problems are encountered earlier. There are many reasons that dental care begins early in your horse’s life, which we’ll explore in this article. Early Dental Care One reason in particular is that your foal is born with teeth and they begin erupting into the mouth during the first week of life. This means they can start causing dental problems from a very early age if not monitored and managed. As a horse owner, you have an important role to play in your foal’s dental health. Following birth, you should examine your foal’s mouth and look for any signs of abnormality. If you notice anything unusual, consult your veterinarian so dental problems can be treated early. Wolf Teeth and Deciduous Teeth Another consideration is the changes that take place inside your horse’s mouth during their first year of life, including the eruption of wolf teeth and the shedding of deciduous teeth. Between five and 12 months of age, wolf teeth begin to erupt into the mouth, and they may vary in terms of size, shape and location. At times, wolf teeth need to be professionally extracted as they come into contact with the bit during your foal’s education. Click here to learn more. Over the first few years of life, most young horses will also shed an average of 24 deciduous, or baby, teeth to make way for their adult teeth. A whopping 36 to 44 adult teeth will erupt over the following years, so there’s a lot of activity taking place that can lead to dental problems. Early Education and Training Lastly, young horses are bred for pleasure or performance and, as such, will require training in-hand and under-saddle during their first years of life. With professional dental care, dental problems can be avoided that would otherwise interrupt their progress. It’s important to remember that any issues that arise during training shouldn’t be disregarded. As your horse’s mouth changes, they may experience pain or discomfort, including when first bitted. Always consider their dental health — don’t assume it’s simply a behavioural problem.

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How can I tell if my horse needs a dental?

Horse Dental / Dr Louise Cosgrove / February 27, 2023

There are many common signs that your horse is due for a dental examination. Every horse requires a dental check at least once per year. However, as uneven wear and dental disease arise, it’s important you know what to look out for. Regular dental care is paramount for your horse’s health, wellbeing and performance. Without healthy dentition, your horse is unable to chew, digest and absorb the nutrients in their food — leading to loss of condition, health problems and poor performance. Due to their unique dentition — whereby your horse’s teeth erupt throughout their life — your horse requires a dental examination at least once per year. In addition, any horse above 16 years of age or with a history of dental problems will require two or more dental checks annually. However, uneven tooth wear and dental disease, resulting in pain and discomfort, can arise between check-ups. So, how do you know if there are problems? Signs of Dental Problems Dropping food, also called quidding, is one of the common signs that your horse is due for a dental. Most often, when your horse experiences pain at feed time, they may adopt an unusual chewing pattern to alleviate this comfort and, thus, drop their food. However, quidding is not the only common sign of dental problems. You may also notice: Dull coat Loss of condition Head shaking or tossing Excessive saliva production Poor appetite or reluctance to eat Bad breath Nasal discharge Blood in the saliva Blood on the bit Undigested feed in the manure Head tilting while eating Colic Facial swelling Behavioural problems If your horse is showing any of these signs, we encourage you to contact your equine veterinarian immediately. Dental problems can quickly lead to other health and behavioural issues, which cause distress to your horse.

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What is the difference between a lay equine dentist and equine veterinarian?

Horse Dental / Dr Louise Cosgrove / March 16, 2023

Put simply, the term ‘equine dentist’ is misleading. In Australia, there is no regulatory body that recognises this term and there are many equine dental practitioners who are operating without any formal training. So, who can you trust? It begins with qualifications… Both equine dental technicians (non-veterinarian) and equine veterinarians (veterinarian) can provide your horse with dental care throughout life. However, there are several important considerations when choosing the right equine dental practitioner for your horse. Equine Dentist vs Equine Veterinarian Their Similarities Qualified — Reputable equine dental technicians and equine veterinarians have undergone tertiary level training in equine anatomy, physiology and medicine. Recommended — Reputable equine dental technicians and equine veterinarians are known and recommended by trusted peers, including other reputable equine health practitioners. Professional — Reputable equine dental technicians and equine veterinarians use and provide medical records, to show their work and treatment outcomes. Accountable — Reputable equine dental technicians and equine veterinarians are required to operate responsibly under a governing body. Responsible — Reputable equine dental technicians and equine veterinarians do not place themselves, the horse or the owner at risk. Commitment to Biosecurity — In addition, reputable equine dental technicians and equine veterinarians minimise the spread of disease by adhering to safe biosecurity practices. Their Differences However, there are some key differences between equine dental technicians and equine veterinarians, which demonstrate a qualified equine veterinarian with training in equine dentistry is the best caretaker for your horse’s dental health. A holistic approach — Only your equine veterinarian understands that many health problems are multifactorial, and can diagnose and treat non-dental problems. Sedatives and analgesics — Only your equine veterinarian can legally use sedatives and analgesics (pain killers) during and following dental examinations. They understand and have studied the use and effect of these drugs and understand how to avoid dangerous outcomes. Tools and equipment — Only your equine veterinarian can legally use a Power Float, which is a powerful handheld tool that can only be operated by a qualified professional. Insurance — As a horse owner, you can rest assured that your equine veterinarian is suitably insured, should an unforeseen accident, error or unexpected outcome occur. Under law only equine veterinarians can remove teeth as sedation an analgesia is required for this to occur under “The Animal Cruelty Act”. Lastly, in contrast to equine dental technicians, many equine veterinarians operate in equine veterinary clinics or hospitals that can examine, treat and care for extensive health problems. In many cases, an equine dental technician will need to refer your horse to an equine veterinarian for treatment if the matter is more complicated.

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What is the difference between canine and wolf teeth in horses?

Horse Dental / Dr Louise Cosgrove / May 14, 2023

As a horse owner you may be curious about the differences between canine teeth and wolf teeth in horses. While both types of teeth are located in the same general area of the horse’s mouth, they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics that set them apart from each other. Canine teeth are typically found in male horses, although mares may also have them. These teeth are located between the incisors (front teeth) and the premolars (bigger teeth at the back) and are typically longer and more pointed than other teeth in the horse’s mouth. In contrast, wolf teeth are small, peg-like teeth that are located just in front of the first premolars. They are usually found in both male and female horses, but not all horses have them. They can be found in both upper and lower jaws, although very uncommon in the lower jaw. Canine Teeth in Horses As a horse owner, I have always been interested in the different types of teeth that horses have and what their functions are. One type of tooth that is often talked about is the canine tooth. Canine teeth are often referred to as “tusks” and can grow up to 5cm long in some horses. The primary function of the canine tooth in horses is to fight and defend themselves against predators. In the wild, horses would use their tusks to fight off wolves, mountain lions, and other predators. However, in domesticated horses, the need for these teeth has diminished. Canine teeth can also be used to establish dominance within a herd. During play or fighting, horses may use their tusks to assert their dominance over other horses. This is why it is important to have a horse’s teeth checked regularly by a veterinarian to ensure that their tusks are not causing any harm to other horses or humans. Wolf Teeth in Horses As a horse owner, I have learned that wolf teeth are a common dental issue that many horses experience. Wolf teeth are small, pointed teeth that can be found in front of the first upper molars in a horse’s mouth. These teeth are often referred to as “vestigial” because they are remnants of the horse’s evolutionary past. Wolf teeth can cause discomfort for the horse, especially when a bit is placed in their mouth. This can lead to behavioral issues, such as head tossing and resistance to the bit. It is important to have a veterinarian or equine dentist remove the wolf teeth to alleviate any discomfort for the horse. It is important to note that not all horses have wolf teeth, and some may have them on only one side of their mouth. It is also possible for horses to have more than two wolf teeth. It is recommended to have a horse’s teeth checked regularly to ensure their dental health and comfort. It is important to have your horses mouth looked at before you put a bit in their mouth in case wolf teeth are there. The best age is between 12 months to 2 years of age. Wolf teeth often don’t appear until 18 months to 2 years of age and some horses can be even older for them to erupt. It is important for early removal as these teeth can fuse to your horses jaw the older they get- making them difficult and painful to remove. Differences Between Canine and Wolf Teeth Location Canine teeth are usually located between the incisors and the premolars in the horse’s mouth. They are often found in male horses, but some mares may also have them. In contrast, wolf teeth are located in front of the first upper molars and are present in both male and female horses. Appearance Canine teeth are usually longer and more pointed than wolf teeth. They also tend to be more curved and have a thicker root. Wolf teeth, on the other hand, are smaller and less pointed. They may be flat or slightly curved and have a shorter root. Function Canine teeth are typically used for fighting and biting, and are more prominent in stallions and geldings. In mares, they may not be as developed and may not serve any significant function. Wolf teeth, on the other hand, are vestigial teeth that no longer serve any purpose. They are often removed to prevent discomfort or pain when a bit is placed in the horse’s mouth. Overall, the main differences between canine and wolf teeth in horses are their location, appearance, and function. While canine teeth are more prominent in male horses and are used for biting and fighting, wolf teeth are smaller and vestigial, and may cause discomfort when a bit is placed in the horse’s mouth. Why Do Horses Have Canine and Wolf Teeth? Canine teeth, also known as “tusks,” are typically found in male horses and occasionally in mares. These teeth are located between the incisors and molars and are used primarily for fighting and defense. In the wild, stallions will often use their canine teeth to fend off predators or other males during breeding season. In domesticated horses, the presence of canine teeth is largely cosmetic and does not have a significant impact on their overall health or well-being. Wolf teeth, on the other hand, are small, peg-like teeth that are located just in front of the molars. These teeth are typically present in both male and female horses and may cause discomfort or pain if they interfere with the bit. For this reason, many horse owners choose to have their horse’s wolf teeth removed to prevent any potential issues while riding or training. It is best to have this done at an early age (<2 years old) to prevent any long term problems or complications, such as the teeth fusing to the jaw and potentially breaking during removal. Conclusion There are several key differences between canine teeth and wolf teeth in horses. Canine teeth are typically larger and more pointed than wolf teeth, and they are located

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My horse has wolf teeth. What should I do?

Horse Dental / Dr Louise Cosgrove / January 16, 2024

Wolf teeth are found in around 70% of horses, including both fillies and colts. Often, wolf teeth can remain inside your horse’s mouth without causing any issues. However, they may become painful if they come into contact with the bit – requiring professional extraction. Wolf teeth normally erupt between five and 12 months of age, but they don’t continue to erupt like other cheek teeth. In fact, in some horses, wolf teeth don’t emerge through the gums at all. These are called blind or unerupted wolf teeth. Regardless of whether the wolf tooth are erupted or not, their position in the mouth may influence your horse’s comfort. A wolf tooth that remains clear of the bit won’t result in pain. But, if their loca-tion does impact the bit or if you change bits, you may encounter pain avoidance behaviours. These include: • Head tossing • Head tilting • Rearing • Pulling hard • Tongue over the bit • Reluctance to take a lead Wolf Teeth Removal Many equine dental veterinarians recommend the removal of wolf teeth for several reasons. Not only does their extraction prevent possible pain, but it creates more space in your horse’s mouth to examine, clean and contour both upper and lower cheek teeth throughout their life. Removing wolf teeth is usually a simple procedure, and should only be performed by a qualified equine dental veterinarian who is licensed to use sedation and local anaesthetic for your horse’s comfort. The procedure may take anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour. Prior to their removal, your horse should be vaccinated against Tetanus. Small puncture wounds, including teeth extractions, are the ideal environment for the Tetanus bacteria – clostridium tetani – to thrive. To learn more about Tetanus vaccination, click here.

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How often should I get my horse’s teeth done?

Horse Dental / Dr Louise Cosgrove / February 27, 2023

Without routine dental care, your horse’s health, wellbeing and performance will suffer. Every horse should receive a dental examination at least once per year, but more frequent check-ups may be required for your horse. Unlike humans, your horse’s teeth continue to erupt throughout their life. This unique physiology, combined with their innate chewing behaviours, can result in sharp enamel points that cause discomfort to the lips, cheeks and tongue. Dental Examination A dental examination by a qualified equine veterinarian at least once per year will help to prevent the development of dental diseases and reduce the formation of uneven teeth. Your horse should receive their first dental at nine months of age. For any horse above the age of 16, dental examinations should be increased to twice yearly. And, of course, if your horse has experienced dental problems at any age, they may require more frequent dental examinations. Signs of Dental Problems The importance of dental care cannot be underestimated. Without healthy dentition, your horse will be unable to chew, digest and properly absorb their feed, which can drastically reduce their condition – and be costly to your back pocket. However, dental problems can also lead to behavioural issues, long-term poor health and severe dental disease. There are several common signs that may indicate a dental problem, including: Dull coat, weight loss Head shaking, head tossing Spilling feed while eating Blood in the saliva, blood on the bit Excessive saliva production Poor appetite, reluctance to eat Bad breath, discharge from nostril Undigested feed in the manure Behavioural problems Head tilting during eating, eating slowly Facial swelling Colic Even if your horse has recently had a dental examination, these signs should alert you to the possibility of a dental problem. If any of these signs arise, we recommend you consult your equine veterinarian for further advice.

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Should I remove my horses wolf teeth?

Horse Dental / Dr Louise Cosgrove / January 18, 2024

Wolf teeth are found in 70% of horses, including fillies and colts. Most often, wolf teeth can remain inside your horse’s mouth without causing any issues. However, they do contain nerves and will cause pain if they come into contact with the bit. Wolf teeth usually erupt between five and 12 months of age, but don’t continue to erupt during your horse’s lifetime like other cheek teeth. As the horse has evolved into the domestic animals we know today, their teeth have grown in size, making the smaller wolf tooth redundant when chewing. In some instances, wolf teeth don’t emerge through the gums. These are called blind or unerupted wolf teeth. If a wolf tooth remains clear of the bit during riding or driving, your horse won’t experience any discomfort, regardless of whether it has erupted or not. However, if a wolf tooth comes into contact with the bit, for example, if you change bits, then pain avoidance behaviors can occur. These include: Many equine dental veterinarians recommend the removal of cheek teeth to avoid these bit issues while creating more space in the horse’s mouth to easily examine, clean, and contour the upper and lower cheek teeth. Like any other dental procedure, wolf teeth should only be removed by a qualified equine dental veterinarian, using sedation and local anesthetic (See Images of Procedure). As wolf teeth come in many shapes and sizes, the procedure may take only a few minutes or up to 20 minutes. Ensure your horse is protected against tetanus prior to any tooth extraction. Small puncture wounds, like tooth removal, are the ideal environment for the tetanus bacteria, clostridium tetani, to thrive. Mares and geldings should both be protected against this deadly disease.

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