### Horse Dental Diseases: Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment Dental diseases in horses can significantly impact their overall health and performance. Here’s what you need to know about common dental issues, how to prevent them, and treatment options. #### Common Dental Diseases 1. **Periodontal Disease**: This is an infection of the structures around the teeth, including the gums and bones. Symptoms include bad breath, difficulty eating, and weight loss. 2. **Tooth Abscesses**: These are infections at the root of the tooth, causing swelling, pain, and sometimes drainage of pus. 3. **Malocclusions**: Misalignment of the teeth can lead to uneven wear, causing sharp points that can injure the mouth. 4. **EOTRH (Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis)**: This condition affects older horses, causing resorption of the tooth roots and excessive cementum production, leading to loose and painful teeth. #### Symptoms to Watch For - Dropping food while eating - Excessive salivation - Bad breath - Weight loss - Facial swelling - Reluctance to eat or chew #### Prevention - **Regular Dental Checkups**: Horses should have their teeth checked by a vet at least once a year. Young horses need more frequent checkups. - **Proper Diet**: Ensure your horse has a balanced diet with adequate roughage to promote natural chewing and wear of teeth. - **Routine Floating**: This is the process of filing down sharp points on the teeth to prevent injuries and ensure proper chewing. #### Treatment Options - **Dental Floating**: Regular floating can help manage sharp points and malocclusions. - **Extractions**: Severely damaged or infected teeth may need to be removed. - **Antibiotics**: In cases of infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to manage bacterial growth. - **Pain Management**: Pain relief medications can help manage discomfort associated with dental issues. Regular dental care is crucial for maintaining your horse’s health. By staying vigilant and proactive, you can help prevent serious dental problems and ensure your horse remains happy and healthy.