HOW SHOULD YOU FEED A HORSE SUFFERING WITH DENTAL PROBLEMS, PERIODONTAL DISEASE (TOOTH LOSS), OLD AGE OR INJURIES?

Horses replace their deciduous teeth with permanent teeth around 2.5 – 5 years of age. Symptoms exhibited during this time vary from horse to horse with some having greater problems than others. Some horses have problem chewing or they might get a raised temperature or become sensitive in and around the mouth. Older horses may lose their teeth or get an irregular bite with jagged sharp teeth that complicates chewing. Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ) may further complicate the chewing. The older horse also has an increased need for nutrients. A fractured jaw, for example, can also lead to a transient impairment of the ability to chew. Whether the problem is related to the horse’s teeth or jaws, it is essential for the horse to have a sufficient intake of fibre and nutrients. A basic forage feed consisting of soaked pellets of lucerne (alfalfa) together with a pelleted concentrate feed (also soaked) and possibly also, a supplement of minerals, either in soaked pelleted or liquid form, would provide the horse with the nutrients it needs. Older horses normally require up to 15-20 % more feed than younger horses and feed rations should therefore be measured according to age. A vet with training in equine dentistry should check the teeth of your horse at least 1-2 a year. Older horses and horses with an irregular bite may need to have their teeth checked more regularly. The vet will assess your horse and draw up a treatment plan.