Head Tilting When Chewing

[22becky92]

My horse tilts his head when chewing his hard feed. I’ve noticed it isn’t all the time but happens with either his chaff, fibre mash or eating a hay block. I’ve had his teeth checked by my dentist and had a second option from another to be sure. His teeth seem to be fine.

He tilts his head for a few chews, usually in the same direction, his eyes also widen during this time. I’ve never seen him do this with his hay.

Does anyone know of or have any experience of any other issues that could cause this if dental issues have been ruled out?

 

[TheMule]

My horse tilts his head when chewing his hard feed. I’ve noticed it isn’t all the time but happens with either his chaff, fibre mash or eating a hay block. I’ve had his teeth checked by my dentist and had a second option from another to be sure. His teeth seem to be fine.

He tilts his head for a few chews, usually in the same direction, his eyes also widen during this time. I’ve never seen him do this with his hay.

Does anyone know of or have any experience of any other issues that could cause this if dental issues have been ruled out?

Has he had a full check by a specialist vet under sedation and x-rays? If not then you can’t fully rule out a problem with the teeth or jaw (arthritis in the jaw for example)
The horse sounds in pain so I'd get it on some bute too whilst you continue investigating

 

[22becky92]

Thanks for your reply! That’s the next step, just wondered if anyone had any possible idea of what I could possibly be greeted with in terms of results.

He was on a bute trial for a different issue, interestingly it didn’t change the chewing. He also didn’t tolerate the bute well so he’s on different pain relief until the vet is next up.

Do you know what can be done potentially for jaw arthritis?

Thanks again!

 

[paddy555]

could be anything in the teeth, don't get ahead of yourself with worrying about it.
Find a vet who is a qualified/done training on dentistry. They will sedate the horse, get the mouth open and you can go from there.

one of mine has just started doing the same. Dentist is booked for Tues and I am expecting the vet who is coming to do their teeth to sedate and see what is going on. Your dentists could easily have missed a sharp edge even. I'm not sure if yours were sedated.

 

[Gloi]

Xrays would be my next step if not already done. There could be a fracture in a tooth or abscess that cannot be seen from inside the mouth.

 

[22becky92]

Thanks for both of your replies. It’s odd as he can sometimes go for a few meals without doing it and then on the odd occasion will tilt his head for few chews and then get back to eating normally. If you didn’t watch him like a hawk you’d miss it.

I’m not even sure if it’s something he’s had for a while and I’ve just happened to notice it.

He’s pretty good with having his teeth done. Both dentists had a good look around. Vet is booked anyway, she’s ready to take some X-rays if need be.

 

[Fransurrey]

Sounds like he has a gap and he's getting something stuck if he's doing it intermittently.

 

[Birker2020]

Maybe its to do with his TMJ?

 

[Albus15]

My horse does this! However I've just been told he does it because he enjoys the feed!