Getting the drop on equine dental disease
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Getting the drop on equine dental disease


While some equine health problems are easy to recognize, dental disease is generally not one of them. But certain signs can warn you that your steed is struggling.

Dropped food may be a sign that irritating points on your horse’s teeth are getting in the way of chewing. In fact, any abnormality in the mouth can have the same effect. A sudden refusal of hay or grain can also signal a painful mouth. Some horses tilt their head while chewing to guard a sore spot in their mouth. Or they might resist the bridle on one side. Drooling can also indicate oral discomfort. More obvious signs of dental disease are facial swelling, nasal discharge or bad breath. Even weight loss can signal dental problems, particularly in older horses with worn teeth.

So be vigilant, and call your veterinarian at your horse’s first signs of teeth troubles.

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