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
Tooth, Lost & Found
Summary
Older horses lose their teeth. This is a natural part of the aging process. It can probably be slowed down by routine dental care. That said, the reserve crown of old horse teeth finally runs out and the tooth falls out. These teeth are often found by owners or stall cleaners. Molar teeth are large and block-like with a variable shaped root.
Young, growing horses lose their baby (deciduous) teeth. These are usually thin, serrated, wafer like "caps" that detach from the permanent tooth as it erupts. This is also normal and expected.
Young, growing horses lose their baby (deciduous) teeth. These are usually thin, serrated, wafer like "caps" that detach from the permanent tooth as it erupts. This is also normal and expected.
-
Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment- To ensure a correct diagnosis, have your vet examine the horse.
your role
What To Do
Watch both the young horse and the old horse for difficulty eating. Recognize that loose teeth are part of these life stages. In this case, let your vet know you found a tooth, and that might indicate others are loose. Often the same tooth on the opposite side of the mouth will also be lost or loose. monitor your horse for any difficulty eating.If you have any concern about whether the loss of the tooth is causing your horse difficulty eating, share your concerns with your vet. You should also keep the tooth to show your vet.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet performs a dental exam, looking for other problem teeth. For growing horses, vets typically remove caps when they are loose or trapping feed. The loss of a cap should not cause the horse any noticeable trouble.
Vets also extract loose teeth in older horses. This is often necessary because a loose tooth causes pain and irritation.
Finally, the opposing teeth will need to be shortened regularly because it will erupt into the space created by the missing tooth, causing problems.
Vets also extract loose teeth in older horses. This is often necessary because a loose tooth causes pain and irritation.
Finally, the opposing teeth will need to be shortened regularly because it will erupt into the space created by the missing tooth, causing problems.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- How old is the horse?
- Has your horse had a dental exam performed by a vet or dental tech working with a vet?
- How long ago was the horse's most recent dental exam?
- Does the horse have a history of dental problems?
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