![]() |
![]() 189 East Nelson Ave. #157, Wasilla, Alaska 99654 (907) 745-8885 Business and FAX |
-Contact Form- -Veterinary Information- |
Equine
Dentistry We have domesticated a free running and free eating animal. In our management practices - confined them in small spaces, with regimented feeding programs. One of the many problems that has developed from our management is dental disorders. Various equine literature emphasizes the need for dental care. Much is now known about the benefits: Improved feed efficiency, reduced pain from sharp points, bit comfort, ease of training, improved chiropractic health, and so on. What is difficult to visualize is the problems that the equine dentist encounters. The following examples are normal horse dentition before and after good quality dentistry. ![]() |
||
Note
the right skull image: several changes have occurred.
The first molar has been curved or a "bit seat"
applied, which is indicated by the dark lines on the first upper and
lower molars. The bit seats help funnel feed into the molars,
reduce the bit from bumping on the first molars, and eliminate soft
tissue pinch that occurs from gingiva trapping between bit and tooth.
The sharp points have been reduced (or floated) on the outer
edge of the
upper
molars and the inside edge of the lower molars. Finally the
incisors were tested and corrected for length. |
||
Why Adjust the Incisors? | ||
|
||
Molar Abnormalities The following are a few diagrams of the more common dental disorders in horses. Many are related to abnormal wear patterns. Most are a result of the horse unable to free graze on course forage. The importance of equine dentistry is demonstrated below- |
||
![]() Hooks - upper first molar and lower back molar |
||
![]() Wave mouth - irregular wear pattern |
||
![]() Ramps - lower first molars |
||
![]() Excessive Transverse Ridges - molar tables have lateral grooves that inhibit jaw motion |
||
©
Glacier
Veterinary Service, LLC All Rights Reserved ![]() |