my horses jaw wont move... problems?

Domino8212

Domino8212

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I had the dentist out yesterday for a routine check-up on my pony he said that my pony's jaw doesn't move backwards and forwards and something about trouble schooling and riding... I didn't think anything of it until today, and have a few questions, if cant be answered ill phone my dentist up but thought id check here first.............
1) can I school him at all?
2) is there any other problems ill have?
3) would riding him in a bitless bridle help? 4) is it cureable?
5) can I jump?
6) will it hurt him?
plus if you have any other points or comments or anything else, personal experience etc id be happy to hear it!! thanks in advance :)

by the way his jaw will move side to side....
 
hi thanks for quick response :)
we hack mainly, three-five times a week walking + few trots. jumping/light schooling no more than twice a week, showing, walktrot/novice showing classes and clear round sj once a month or so... he has always been very sensible and bombproof... but recently been a bit spooky and refuses to canter, but put that down to what we think was a small sore on his back or lack of exercise due to being away for a week
 
Last edited:
HaffiesRock said:
What do you do with your horse currently? And how does it react?
Click to expand...

hi thanks for quick response
we hack mainly, three-five times a week walking + few trots. jumping/light schooling no more than twice a week, showing, walktrot/novice showing classes and clear round sj once a month or so... he has always been very sensible and bombproof... but recently been a bit spooky and refuses to canter, but put that down to what we think was a small sore on his back or lack of exercise due to being away for a week
 
Your dentist will most likely be referring to problems in your horses Temporomandibular Joint.
1) can I school him at all? yes
2) is there any other problems ill have? It will be hard for him to go on the bit, he will have problems with his canter leads, he will probably be heavy in your hands, stiff in the neck and back
3) would riding him in a bitless bridle help? no, as it is nothing to do with a bit. It is the joint between the temporal bone and the mandible that is affected
4) is it cureable? yes, a equine physio, bowen therapist, accupunturist, soft tissue worker will be able to help. your dentist may need to come back and do a follow up to make sure the dentition is correctly lined up too.
5) can I jump? yes
6) will it hurt him? Not a lot. He will be uncomfortable due to the tension caused bu the TMJ not functioning correctly, but it will not harm him.

Temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) soreness or dysfunction (TMD) in humans is pain in the jaw joint that can be caused by a variety of medical problems. The TMJ connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull (temporal bone) in front of the ear. Certain facial muscles in and around this joint control chewing. Problems in this area can cause head and neck pain, facial pain, ear pain, headaches, a jaw that is locked in position or difficult to open, problems biting, and jaw clicking or popping sounds when you bite.

This may help explain it better :)
http://inspiritusequine.homestead.com/The_TMJ.pdf
 
NaeNae87 said:
Your dentist will most likely be referring to problems in your horses Temporomandibular Joint.
1) can I school him at all? yes
2) is there any other problems ill have? It will be hard for him to go on the bit, he will have problems with his canter leads, he will probably be heavy in your hands, stiff in the neck and back
3) would riding him in a bitless bridle help? no, as it is nothing to do with a bit. It is the joint between the temporal bone and the mandible that is affected
4) is it cureable? yes, a equine physio, bowen therapist, accupunturist, soft tissue worker will be able to help. your dentist may need to come back and do a follow up to make sure the dentition is correctly lined up too.
5) can I jump? yes
6) will it hurt him? Not a lot. He will be uncomfortable due to the tension caused bu the TMJ not functioning correctly, but it will not harm him.

Temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) soreness or dysfunction (TMD) in humans is pain in the jaw joint that can be caused by a variety of medical problems. The TMJ connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull (temporal bone) in front of the ear. Certain facial muscles in and around this joint control chewing. Problems in this area can cause head and neck pain, facial pain, ear pain, headaches, a jaw that is locked in position or difficult to open, problems biting, and jaw clicking or popping sounds when you bite.

This may help explain it better :)
http://inspiritusequine.homestead.com/The_TMJ.pdf
Click to expand...

What a reaaly good reply, no wonder the OP is happy :)
 
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