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| A rare look in the mouth of the horse |
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When horses were wild, they grazed 16 - 18 hours per
day, picking up dirt and grit in the process. They ate grasses that provided all the nutrition that their bodies
needed. Their diet was rough enough, partly due to the silicate in grass, to remove sharp points from
the teeth along the tongue and cheeks before they became problematic. They also had shorter life spans. Many horses
today live in stalls, eat processed, softer feeds, and have little or no opportunity for grazing. They also have
longer lifespans. Many dental problems arise from these modern conditions. A lack of regular
dental care can lead to problems that can affect: Performance Training Nutrition Soundness Life Span
Performance and Training Issues that may be caused by dental problems: Injuries
to the cheeks, tongue or the gums Head Tossing Refusing
the bit or sensitivity to the bit Pushing on the bit Difficult
transitions Reluctance in turning either direction Not rounding
up Bucking or rearing Riding high headed Unexplained, sudden changes in performance Training resistance Failing to stop or turn Flipping over Bucking Tongue lolling
Nutrition Loss of weight and
body condition Excessive salivation Dropping feed Wasting of feed Undigested feed/hay particles in manure Hesitance
to eat, due to pain Colic episodes Slow chewing
Soundness Improper posture due to dental issues can cause serious lameness
due to compensatory posture Discomfort in the horse's mouth could cause him to tighten
his jaw and his poll, producing tension in his back Dental issues that can cause nasal
discharge, swelling of the face and restrict airflow
Life Span
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