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Angela S
Member
Username: vera
Post Number: 20
Registered: 6-2008
| | Posted on Thursday, Jul 24, 2008 - 10:33 am: |   |
My 5yo gelding has redness around one of his bottom canine teeth and I noticed a little amount of dried blood around the other. He has been very objectionable to the bridle lately. Should I be worried?
He just had his teeth floated in May and I noticed the vet break off these teeth with some sort of tool. Is that normal? Should I have him seen by a dental specialist? |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: dro
Post Number: 21081
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Friday, Jul 25, 2008 - 7:47 am: | |
Hello Angela,
It is not normal to break off the canine teeth but it is not uncommon for the canines to develop a plaque that causes a gingivitis. This is removed by scrapping it off and this may be what you observed.
It is also common for young horses to develop bridle problems unrelated to mouth disease. Is it possible that a poorly fitted bit or overuse of the bit as a "communication tool" has caused this bleeding and resistance?
We cannot tell if there is anything to be worried about, if there is unexplained blood in the mouth and signs that the mouth is troubling the horse it will take a examination to rule out problems with the mouth.
DrO |
Angela S
Member
Username: vera
Post Number: 21
Registered: 6-2008
| | Posted on Friday, Jul 25, 2008 - 11:26 am: | |
He was started this winter in a single jointed eggbutt snaffle. I have a Myler eggbutt double jointed (french link) that I have used. I use very little contact on his mouth and actually haven't done much riding lately so I don't think that I caused the bleeding. Do you think that the vet confused the canines for wolf teeth? He did break them off. I'm going to have to have him out to look or do you think that I should have a different vet out. |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: dro
Post Number: 21095
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Sunday, Jul 27, 2008 - 7:44 am: | |
Angela, I don't think the veterinarian would confuse the two. Is it possible he removed the wolf teeth and you thought they were the canines? Perhaps calling the vet and discussing what was done and why. Or perhaps a photo of the canines might clear up this mystery.
DrO |
