Age Related Dental Problems

Age Grouping

Possible Dental Problems
In This Age Group
Temperment/Behavioral
Qualities


Weanlings &
Yearlings

Checking
newborns and
6 months


Congenital or developmental problems undiagnosed & uncorrected at this age, can result in permanent dental conformation faults (under bite or over bite), especially in miniature horses.

-------------------------------------------------------

Young
Performance
Horses

18-52 months

Oral exam
twice a year


Loose caps, embedded cap slivers, sharp points, wolf teeth. Asymetrical shedding of baby teeth can cause irregular wear patterns. Addressing hooks on front and back molars at this age is critical for the proper development and alignment of the jaw.


Painful mouth. Head tossing, mouthing the bit, fussiness, turning and backing problems. Hooks and other malocclusions make movement of the jaw, rounding, balancing difficult and can contribute to head, neck and body stiffness.

Adult
Performance
Horses

4 to 10 years

Annual exams


Problems with molar contact and incisor
length worsen. Canines are very sharp.
Points, hooks, ramps, transverse ridges all seen
in this age group. Periodontal disease, loosening of teeth, fractured teeth due to uneven occlusal pressure. Infundibular decay.


Head fussiness, touchy about being bridled/unbridled.
May have problems turning, stopping from cheek/bit
contact with painful points. Transverse ridges, hooks,
lessen ability for jaw to slide, causing stiffness through
jaw, neck and back. Dropping weight, lethargy from pain, drooling.


Mature Horse

(10 to 18 years)

Annual exams



Abnormalities of wear can create significant
problems. Those include: points, hooks,
ramps, transverse ridges, separation and
impaction. Periodontal disease, loosening of teeth, fractured teeth due to uneven occlusal pressure. Infundibular decay.


Fussiness, anxiety if points hurt; possibly losing weight,
quidding (balls of feed that pack in mouth), drooling,
dribbling grain. Painful dental problems can cause
stiffness in the jaw and neck and related stiffness through the poll, neck and back, contributing to lameness and
performance problems. Dropping weight, lethargy from pain, drooling.


Geriatric
Horse

18 years, older

Annual? exams


Usually some form of dental disease.
Older teeth tend to shift
Wave mouths, ramps, hooks, smooth mouths. Periodontal disease, loosening of teeth, fractured teeth due to uneven occlusal pressure. Infundibular decay.


Similar performance problems as with previous age group. Loss of weight, unthrifty
Dribbling grain, larger pieces of feed in manure. Dropping weight, lethargy from pain, drooling. Loosening or lost teeth, overly long teeth.


Introduction, Mobile Clinic, Miniature Horse, Age/Needs, Examination, Periodontics
Restorations, Equipment, FAQ, Dental Costs, Dental Problems, Teaching Clinics
Richard Vetter, D.V.M., Case Histories, Testimonials, Photo Gallery, Links of Interest, Contact Us
Home

Performance Equine Dentistry
Office: 360-829-0500, Cell: 360-508-0083, Fax: 360-829-0502
Email:
vetent@centurytel.net
Copyright © 2007 Performance Equine Dentistry, Inc. P.S. All Rights Reserved.