The horse's mouth is a sensitive area. Healthy teeth are important not only for eating, but also for riding with a bridle and bit. Many instances of head shaking or restlessness under the saddle can originate in the horse's mouth.
A fully grown horse has between 36 and 44 teeth. The number of canine teeth varies, with between zero and four possible. In fact, mares can also have canine teeth. In addition, there are twelve incisors and 24 molars, which are also called grinding teeth and are further divided into premolars (front molars) and molars (back molars). There is a gap between the incisors and molars, known as the bar. This is where the bit is placed when bridling.
Over the course of a horse's life, the teeth gradually move forward from the tooth sockets as they are naturally worn down from above through use. This makes it appear as if a horse's teeth are constantly growing. In fact, however, only the root area shortens.
What wisdom teeth are to humans, stallion teeth (also known as hook teeth) and wolf teeth are to horses. Horses no longer need these teeth to chew properly or survive. These teeth are simply a remnant of the evolutionary history of horses.
Some horses do not develop them at all or only two out of four. Wolf teeth can put pressure on the bit and interfere with riding, so you should have this area checked by your veterinarian. In most cases, wolf teeth are extracted. This procedure is performed under sedation and is quite straightforward.
Hooked teeth make it difficult for the animal to eat and can also interfere with riding. The tongue can be injured by sharp edges and points, causing pain when eating. Hooks that develop irregularly in the horse's teeth can lead to misalignment of the jaw joint and cause balance problems. So a few small teeth can cause a lot of grief. The equine dentist – it is advisable to work with a specialist here – must rasp the teeth and proceed very precisely so that both sides of the teeth fit together. If too much is removed on one side, the pressure distribution during use will be uneven. Excessive pressure on a single tooth can even lead to tooth fractures. Just like in humans, tartar must also be removed regularly in horses to prevent painful gum problems. As a general rule, you should schedule a dental check-up for your horse every six to twelve months, depending on its predisposition.
Horses usually suffer in silence. This means that we don't always recognize early on that something is wrong, especially in the early stages of dental problems. This is why regular routine checks are so important.
But at some point, even a horse can no longer hide its pain and the problems associated with it. You should watch out for the following signs:
When riding:
When handling:
So keep an eye on your horse and check its mouth regularly. However, brushing its teeth is not a good idea. You will be doing it a bigger favor by having a professional regularly rasp its teeth and remove tartar.
You probably often see your velvet-pawed friend licking themselves thoroughly, vigorously working on one spot or another of their fur. Cats groom themselves. Nevertheless, it is useful to help them with their fur care, not least to find and remove any parasites. The coat change will also be more pleasant for your cat if loose hairs are brushed out regularly. Especially with certain breeds such as Angora or Persian cats, you should stick to a daily routine to keep your pet well-groomed and healthy.
Are outdoor cats or indoor cats healthier and happier? What are the respective advantages and disadvantages, and what suits my cat and my lifestyle best? Here you will find useful information to help you make your decision.
Just like humans and dogs, more and more cats are developing the metabolic disease diabetes. However, diabetes in cats differs from that in dogs and humans in a number of key ways. Middle-aged neutered male cats are particularly affected. Maine Coon and Siamese cats are more susceptible to diabetes.
Horses are flight animals. If something frightens them, they will run away faster than some owners can even blink. There are many possible triggers: a large green tractor while out riding, posters in an indoor riding arena, or children playing in the yard. However, with the right exercises, you can help your horse become more calm over time.
If your horse is rubbing itself more than usual, you should take a closer look, as itching can be a key symptom of many skin diseases or allergies in horses. However, some metabolic disorders can also cause itching in horses. This condition is very stressful for your animal and should therefore be examined and treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
It is a dramatic sight for us as owners when our own horse suddenly cannot bend its hind leg and can barely walk. In many cases, the kneecap dislocation resolves itself and the horse runs normally again. If the dislocation does not resolve, a veterinarian must remedy the situation by skillfully manipulating the horse and leading it backwards or sideways so that it can walk normally again. A brief digression into the anatomy of the knee joint provides a simple explanation for this phenomenon.
Mitral valve disease (MMVD) is a chronic degenerative disease of the heart valves. It is the most common heart disease in dogs and mainly affects older dogs of smaller breeds. An exception is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, which often develops the disease at the age of 1.5 to two years.
Your cat is sure to appreciate a change of scenery now and then, especially if it lives indoors all the time. Of course, it's not just indoor cats that like to play with their humans—outdoor cats enjoy it too.
Are you also fascinated by the beauty, intelligence, and strength of character of these cheerful, playful companions? Wonderful! Then we have some tips for you.
Since the liver has a very high regenerative capacity and functional reserve capacity, most liver diseases in horses initially progress without visible signs of disease and are only diagnosed at an advanced stage.
Kissing spines is a condition that causes the vertebrae to grow into each other. It is a change in the horse's spine. This results in a significant narrowing of the spaces between the vertebrae in the thoracic and lumbar spine, often in the saddle area. The diagnosis requires riders and owners to be vigilant and provide the right training.
Kidney disease is relatively rare in horses, but its symptoms are often nonspecific and therefore not always immediately recognized, meaning that treatment is often delayed. In many cases, kidney disease is a concomitant or secondary condition of other diseases.
