12/21/2023
Last week I went out to see this lovely 32-year-old mare for a decreased appetite and dramatically increased quidding (spitting out partially chewed balls of food). She has dropped quids for years and struggled with a decreased appetite, especially during winter months. Her owner wasn’t sure she would make it through this winter if she continued in her current state.
On oral exam, her cheeks were ulcerated by sharp enamel points and edges. Some teeth were overly long while the opposing teeth had become very worn. A very large “hook” on the last lower right cheek tooth was preventing normal motion of the jaw during chewing. She also had multiple areas of malodorous feed packing between teeth. The goal for her float was to remove the sharp edges that were traumatizing her cheeks, take down ridges that were causing abnormal forces on the opposing teeth, and reduce (as much as safely possible) the large hook in the back of the mouth so her jaw could move in a more functional way. She also had the feed packing thoroughly flushed from between her teeth.
One week later, the owner reports: “She is doing great, not one quid this morning. Eating very well and just seems happier! I wish I had you out sooner. Ready to celebrate her 33rd birthday on January 1!”
Stories like this are why I became an equine vet and why this profession can be so gratifying. In the future, I’ll take more intraoral pictures so you can really see the pathology in the mouth, but for now a cute head shot of this sweet mare will have to do! Remember, old horses need regular dental care too. This includes a PROPER oral exam with a bright light source, a speculum, mirror or endoscope, and adequate sedation – at least annually!
