Considerations for an Effective Teeth Floating Program
Considerations for an Effective Teeth Floating Program
Imagine sharp points on your teeth that rub your mouth or cheeks while you chew your meals. Considering that horses’ teeth continue to grow as they age, this is an expected occurrence when they attempt to eat grain or simply graze in the pasture. Adding to the problem, a horse will chew in an unnatural manner and consequently cause damage to other teeth and parts of the mouth in an attempt to relieve the pain.
Twice each year, your horse should have a dental examination to determine if he or she needs their teeth floated. These examinations should begin as early as possible for foals. Floating a horse’s teeth is defined as using a rasp (both by hand and power tools) to file down the rough edges on a horse’s teeth. The filing doesn’t hurt (no nerves there) and makes chewing much easier and more comfortable.
Many horses can go a few years in between each floating, but there are also many that require floating once or twice a year. It is a good rule of thumb to get teeth checked while conducting early spring vaccinations and again in the fall when preparing for fall care of your horse. The photos (below right) show examples of teeth going too long without a floating.
A thorough dental plan can extend the life of your horse greatly and allow their behavior to be much more pleasant and predictable.
Symptoms of a horse that may need his or her teeth floated:
Difficulty chewing (accompanied by ears pinning and tail swishing)
Reluctance to drink cold water
Quidding (dropping food while eating)
Excessive unchewed grain in manure
Constipation colics
Weight loss
Swelling or tenderness in jaw area
Reluctance to accept a bit (raises head high while bridling)
Throwing head while riding
Throwing head while stopping
Reluctance to turn a certain direction while riding
Excessive slobbering
Turning their heads to the side when they chew
Snotty nose from only one nostril
Foul odor from mouth or nostrils Source: Dr. Mark Russell, Assistant Professor - Animal Science, UofA
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