Providing your horse proper medical care includes taking care of its teeth. Equine dental care is very important because the horse’s teeth condition have a direct effect on its nutrition which is pertinent in maintaining its wellness. It is advisable to have a comprehensive dental checkup for your horse on a regular basis to safeguard its overall health and performance.
Dental checkups and procedures must be done every 6-12 months after the first visit. A comprehensive dental care includes an examination of the mouth to check for malocclusion, infection, dental irregularities, loose teeth and other dental problems. X-rays are also done when needed. If there are diseased teeth, extraction is also performed. Shaping tooth surfaces, filling, implanting teeth are also included to ensure that the horse remains healthy. The vet records all of the procedures and irregularities seen in the horse so that he has a reference for the future visit.
Part of your responsibility as a horse owner is being sensitive to the needs of your horse. You have to anticipate certain problems that your horse may encounter like those affecting the teeth. In order to do that, you need to be aware of the signs and symptoms that indicate a budding dental problem. Some of the signs include head tossing or shyness, dull coat, foul breath, weight loss, poor performance, unwillingness to eat, facial swelling, excessive salivation, throat impaction and refusal to take lead. Once you have noted some of these symptoms notify your vet immediately and schedule your horse for a checkup.
Getting your horse at the peak of its performance and at its optimum health doesn't happen overnight. You have to provide proper care needed by your horse in order to prevent any dental health complications. Although maintenance may be overwhelming, you have to pay close attention to the overall well-being of your horse than dealing to the hassle of taking care of it once it becomes sick or worst when it dies.
To keep your horse at its optimum level of functioning, you must ensure that it gets adequate good nutrition appropriate for its age and breed. Give your horse vaccines against infectious diseases that are transmittable to horses like encephalitis, influenza, rabies, and tetanus. For its dental health, have a vet check its mouth every 6-12 months.
You should also check its mouth every week for sores. Don't forget to palpate the cheeks for pointed edges. Also check for the symptoms of dental problems. Part of the preventive measure to maintain your horse’s top condition is having a competent and experienced vet who can give the best possible care whenever needed.
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