Dentition
Has your horse become head shy? Gone off feed? Developed bouts of colic? These signs can be associated with dental problems in your horse’s mouth. A horse with dental pain may also drool, eat more slowly, and drop food. Poor oral health results in pain and insufficient chewing of food, which may cause choke (esophageal obstruction), bowel obstruction, and colic. Regular dental examinations by your veterinarian help detect tooth problems early before they become advanced. The frequency of dental examinations will depend on your horse’s diet and inherent tooth strength.