Very Common
You also might be observing
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Underbite, Lower Jaw Protrudes Forward (in Adult)
Summary
An underbite (undershot jaw, sow mouth, monkey mouth) is a case in which the lower jaw (mandible) protrudes out further than the upper jaw (maxilla), causing the lower teeth to protrude forward. It may result from a congenital defect (common in miniature breeds), or from injury or trauma to the lower jaw. An undershot is a situation in which the nipping teeth dont meet but the cheek teeth do. A true underbite involves abnormal occlusion of the cheek teeth too, and the development of overgrowth of unopposed teeth.
In mild cases, horses can process forage just fine. However, sometimes this condition results in uneven wear on the teeth and the development of overgrowths of the molars (cheek teeth) that can inhibit proper grinding.
If your horse has an underbite, your vet should perform regular dental exams to determine whether dental maintenance is required.
In mild cases, horses can process forage just fine. However, sometimes this condition results in uneven wear on the teeth and the development of overgrowths of the molars (cheek teeth) that can inhibit proper grinding.
If your horse has an underbite, your vet should perform regular dental exams to determine whether dental maintenance is required.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment- For an assessment of how this will affect your horse's management and performance.
- If you think your horses may be in need of routine dental care.
your role
What To Do
Consider whether the horse seems to eat normally. If the horse is a riding horse, realize that malocclusions of the teeth may lead to dental overgrowths and resistance to bitting. Contact your vet with your findings and concerns.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
Very Common
your vet's role
Your vet assesses all the teeth, especially the cheek teeth (molars) and determines the nature of this problem and whether dentistry is required for treatment or prophylactic management of the problem.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Does the horse have difficulty chewing or eating?
- What is the age and breed of the horse?
- Do you notice any other problems with the horse?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health