advice re parrot mouth please

[michellepearson1]

The 2yr old I got from York sales on Friday has parrot mouth, this may have been the reason he was so thin.

This is not a problem for me. But what I need to know is how soon should I get the equine dentist out to check him out and what food should I get him now.

He actually looks better now he has been on the grass since Friday.

He got his first lesson in manners today - bless him! he tried to cow kick me when I was stroking his side. I think I shocked him a little when he got a dig in the ribs. not too hard I hasten to add but just enough to shock him.

I think I am attached to him already.

 

[scotsmare]

I'd actually get your vet to have a look first rather than a dentist as vet will give you a good enough picture and will be easier to get hold of than a dentist.

 

[michellepearson1]

Good idea he needs his injections so will get the vet to check him over as well.

 

[Natch]

I'd disagree with scotsmare. Vet can have a look while there doing injections etc but are not the specialists - I'd get the dentist in too, especially as you think its related to why he's so thin.

Not meaning to sound all doom and gloom though - Most of the neddys I have owned or loaned have parrot mouths and don't have problems!

 

[FinellaGlen]

I would second Naturally's advice. Qualified equine dentists are the specialists in this area. I had a very slightly parrot mouthed mare a few years back and it caused her no problems whatsoever. I have also been out on visits with an EDT though and seen a Shetland which was severely parrot mouthed and he was in a very poor way and needed a lot of treatment which was only successful up to a point. I hope that your new boy's mouth isn't too bad.

 

[Seahorse]

I used to have a TB with a very bad parrot mouth, it didn't affect him in any way at all.

 

[michellepearson1]

Hes such a lovely boy with lots of potential so if it means getting the dentist out every 6 monhs so bit it. Since hes been out in the field since Fri evening and we have some nice long grass in there he actually looks better. I went on the internet for more advice so will ensure that he has nice soft food to eat with all the right vitamins etc.

 

[FinellaGlen]

Seahorse - the Shetland whose treament I witnessed had dreadful problems because of his jaw deformity. His teeth didn't really meet at all in a lot of his mouth. Horses need the grinding surfaces of their teeth to meet in order that they can eat properly but this poor pony couldn't even get a grasp on grass because of his problems.

 

[Parkranger]

I think once you have advice you'll be ok - I know someone who successfully competes a parrot mouthed horse!

 

[Shilasdair]

It depends how much longer the upper jaw is than the bottom jaw...if only a bit longer, you won't have too many issues - will just have to be careful to get his teeth done frequently (maybe twice a year).
If there is a big gap between upper and lower incisors, he may find difficulty biting off grass (sounds like he doesn't though) or pulling hay through a haynet - you'll just have to see how he goes.
It's hereditary, so I'm glad he's bitless

Maybe worm him too, for tapeworm and small redworm, just to be on the safe side...?
S