Watch for these 7 signs, and remember to schedule oral exams at least once a year.
What are the signs your horse might be experiencing dental pain, either from recurrence of sharp enamel points and cheek/tongue ulcerations or from more overt dental disease such as loose/decayed teeth?
- Evading the bit.
- Eating hay or grain slowly or dropping feed.
- Head or mouth shyness.
- Evading the bit or having difficulty maintaining a connection.
- Differences between acceptance of left and right rein contact.
- Withdrawn or asocial behavior.
- Standing over the water trough or dipping his or her face in the water.
Most horses should receive a thorough sedated oral exam, plus any necessary care, at least once per year. Horses younger than 5 or older than 20 likely need exams twice per year.