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
Parrot Mouth or Overbite
Summary
You notice that a horse has an overbite, meaning that the front edge of the top incisor teeth (nipping teeth) is further forward than the front edge of the lower teeth.
In some cases the upper and lower incisors still make contact but are imperfectly aligned, a mere overbite. In severe cases, the central incisors do not meet at all, a condition called "parrot mouth" by some breed associations. This distinction is important, because some registries such as the AQHA consider this a genetic defect, and do not allow the registration of horses with a true "parrot mouth."
Severe overshoot of the front (incisor) teeth usually does not cause a horse much trouble, and it is merely an unsightly cosmetic blemish. In many cases, however, the cheek teeth (molars and premolar grinding teeth) further back in the mouth may not meet well either.
Due to this, there is a greater tendency for dental overgrowths to develop points, hooks and ramps that may cause a variety of problems for the horse, including the mechanical worsening of the appearance of the parrot mouth itself.
In some cases the upper and lower incisors still make contact but are imperfectly aligned, a mere overbite. In severe cases, the central incisors do not meet at all, a condition called "parrot mouth" by some breed associations. This distinction is important, because some registries such as the AQHA consider this a genetic defect, and do not allow the registration of horses with a true "parrot mouth."
Severe overshoot of the front (incisor) teeth usually does not cause a horse much trouble, and it is merely an unsightly cosmetic blemish. In many cases, however, the cheek teeth (molars and premolar grinding teeth) further back in the mouth may not meet well either.
Due to this, there is a greater tendency for dental overgrowths to develop points, hooks and ramps that may cause a variety of problems for the horse, including the mechanical worsening of the appearance of the parrot mouth itself.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment
your role
What To Do
Consider this a fault and what you see is only the "tip of the iceberg." There may be more dental issues in the rear of the mouth.What Not To Do
Do not ignore this problem, especially in a foal, because there may be a limited time in which veterinary intervention may help the problem and provide a better quality of life. Breeding these horses is controversial. There is debate about the genetic basis for this condition.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet carefully examines the whole horse's mouth and determines the need for dental care. In young horses, there may be a window of opportunity in which surgical procedures (orthodontics) may help the final result.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- How old is the horse?
- How old is the foal?
- Does the horse have difficulty chewing or eating?
- Are you noticing any resistance to the bit?
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