Very Common
OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Dental & Oral Conditions, Generally
Synonyms: Periodontis
Summary
There are literally hundreds of conditions that affect equine teeth and the equine mouth. Now more than ever vets recognize the complex diseases that can involve the teeth and associated tissues. New research and better imaging allows us to differentiate these processes in a way never seen before.
Generally, there is a tendency toward more conservative management and an increasing appreciation of the live tissue that makes up most of the equine tooth.
Recognize the diversity of conditions that affect the teeth, most of which will not be diagnosable by you. Your vet needs to look closely, have good equipment and experience to differentiate between these conditions and treat them appropriately. Some vets have more interest, training, and experience in diagnosing and treating dental conditions than others.
Generally, there is a tendency toward more conservative management and an increasing appreciation of the live tissue that makes up most of the equine tooth.
Recognize the diversity of conditions that affect the teeth, most of which will not be diagnosable by you. Your vet needs to look closely, have good equipment and experience to differentiate between these conditions and treat them appropriately. Some vets have more interest, training, and experience in diagnosing and treating dental conditions than others.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
Depends on specific condition diagnosed.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
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Dropping Grain or Feed Abnormally when Eating
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Cannot Chew, Chewing Abnormally
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Manure has Long Hay Fibers in It
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Twisting or Gaping Mouth, With No Bit in Mouth
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Dropping Chewed Feed or Hay Balls, Quidding
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Slobbering, Drooling or Salivating
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Head Tossing or Shaking, while Ridden
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Starving or Very Thin Horse
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Foul Odor from Mouth or Face, Bad Breath
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Weight Loss, Thin, Losing Weight
Less Common
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Cannot Swallow, Difficulty Swallowing
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Rearing while Under Saddle
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Resists or Roots Against Bit
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Difficult to Bridle or Work with Mouth
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Playing in Water Excessively Without Drinking
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Parrot Mouth or Overbite
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Sores or Blisters on Mouth, Lips, Tongue, or Gums
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Dunks or Soaks Hay in Water Bucket
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Bleeding from Mouth
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Manure is Soft But Not Liquid, "Cow Pie" or Watery (in Adult)
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Rearing or Pulling Back when Led in Hand
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Shear Mouth, Angle of Occlusion is Steep
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Front Teeth (Incisors) Look Abnormal
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Cheeks or Jowls Look Hollowed Out
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Yawning
Rare
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Will Not Stop or Roll Back Well
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Foreign Body, Plant Awns Stuck in Mouth, Lips, Tongue or Gums
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Loss of Muscle Mass, Generalized, on Top-line or Back
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Lump, Bump, Growth, on Mouth, Lips, or Chin
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Extending or Stretching Out Neck
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Bucking
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Head Tossing or Shaking, Not while Ridden
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Not Engaging or Collecting, Lacks Impulsion
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.
Very Common
Less Common
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health
Outside Resources
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