- Cannot Swallow, Difficulty Swallowing
- Foul Odor from Mouth or Face, Bad Breath
- Dropping Chewed Feed or Hay Balls, Quidding
- Wound or Cut to Tongue
- Sores or Blisters on Mouth, Lips, Tongue, or Gums
- Foreign Body, Plant Awns Stuck in Mouth, Lips, Tongue or Gums
- Shock, Ears & Limbs Seem Cold, Pulse is Weak & Rapid
- Noticeably Wobbly or Weak
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Swollen Tongue
Summary
A swollen tongue can result from infection, inflammation or injury. This can also be seen in horses with a neurologic dysfunction and exposure damage to the tongue, and horses in shock as they succumb to an underlying disease. Several times, I have seen a severe, apparent allergic or contact reaction to a common commercial deworming paste (ivermectin and praziquantel).
If the swelling is a result of trauma, the good news is that injuries to the mouth generally heal very quickly.
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Code Orange
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your role
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What To Do
Assess the horse's general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE), and their mouth (wear gloves). Contact your vet with your findings and concerns. Take a photo and send it to your vet for discussion.
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Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
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- How is your horse's attitude and appetite otherwise?
- Do you notice any other problems with the horse?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
- When was your horse last de-wormed, and what was used?
- Has the horse received any medications or new feeds or supplements?
- Does the horse seem to be having difficulty eating or dropping feed?
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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.
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Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
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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)