Very Common
Less 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
Front Teeth (Incisors) Look Abnormal
Summary
You happen to look at your horse's incisor teeth and notice an abnormality. Maybe they are worn, uneven or discolored. Maybe one of the incisors appears chipped or broken. There are many possibilities.
The incisor teeth are the front, nipping teeth and are by far the easiest teeth in the horse's mouth to visualize. The baby teeth (deciduous incisor teeth) appear in the first months of life and are replaced by adult (permanent) between the age of 2 and 5 years.
The incisors usually do not cause horses much trouble. Horses can even survive without them. The teeth that grind feed are the cheek teeth located in the rear of the mouth, and these are hard to visualize without proper training and equipment.
The incisor teeth are the front, nipping teeth and are by far the easiest teeth in the horse's mouth to visualize. The baby teeth (deciduous incisor teeth) appear in the first months of life and are replaced by adult (permanent) between the age of 2 and 5 years.
The incisors usually do not cause horses much trouble. Horses can even survive without them. The teeth that grind feed are the cheek teeth located in the rear of the mouth, and these are hard to visualize without proper training and equipment.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment- If you think your horses may be in need of routine dental care.
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Code Green
Contact Your Vet to Obtain Useful Advice & Resources
your role
What To Do
Consider whether the horse is showing any signs of discomfort, salivation or difficulty eating. Take a photo of the problem and share it with your vet, so that they can determine whether an evaluation is necessary.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
Very Common
your vet's role
Many incisor problems are not accompanied by other problems or abnormalities and do not require aggressive veterinary treatment. Some wear abnormalities, like incisor smiles, frowns and slants, are simply managed as part of a comprehensive dental management plan.
However, problems that cause discomfort or may lead to other issues may need to be treated. By performing a dental exam, your vet can make a diagnosis and provide treatment options.
However, problems that cause discomfort or may lead to other issues may need to be treated. By performing a dental exam, your vet can make a diagnosis and provide treatment options.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- What, specifically, do you see?
- Does the horse seem to be having difficulty eating or dropping feed?
- What is the horse's age, sex, breed and history?
- Does the horse have a history of dental problems?
- Has your horse had a dental exam performed by a vet or dental tech working with a vet?
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.
Very Common
Less Common
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)
Very Common
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health