Old horses - teeth

[S_N]

OK. Berry, at the age of 23/24, has developed gappy teeth, where his incisors erupt from the gum, so food becomes lodged. When I first discovered this, it STANK

But on checking it daily, it took a fair while (about 3 weeks) to build up again. His teeth were done in Jan and are in good nick.

I am having REAL problems removing the half chewed manky food that is stuck between them though. He's a sod to twitch and I don't like doing that anyways. Recently, it's been building up more quickly and he's an absolute bolshy cantankerous old git to deal with, when he doesn't want to comply. I threatened him with a bullet earlier, after he'd nearly mown me down and trodden on BOTH feet - thankfully he's barefoot atm, but he will have fronts on soon. Am considering introducing him to a lip chain - either with a leadrope or stally chain wrapped in vet wrap. Anyone else have oldies with this problem? How do you deal with it?

All input appreciated!

 

[RachelB]

My horse is only 12 and has gappy teeth, it started smelling a bit a while ago and my dentist is FINALLY coming out tomorrow to see to her and the babies for their annual check-up. I can usually do anything with Maiden but she will NOT let me near her mouth any more, not even with a headcollar on! Haven't tried twitching and I don't have one handy, I thought I'd leave it for the dentist to deal with when he gets the gag on her. Well, at least I hope it's just gappy teeth and not that one has fallen out further back

So no suggestions I'm afraid, just sympathy!

 

[flowerlady]

Yes. I used to have this problem with my horse 17.1. Dentist said to rub salt on front of teeth to make him like it out. Tried didn't work then one of the girls on the yard showed me a (not sure what you call it) its like the head piece the dentist uses (or at least it does the same thing) to keep their mouth open while you clean them. It did't have the ratchet on the side though, it was like coiled metal and you attatch to headcollor when you need to open their mouths to stop them biting you. This worked.

 

[JulieL]

my friends oldie use to have extremely 'gappy' teeth and she used to use childrens mild minty toothpaste and a childs toothbrush 2 get the stuff out - it worked - just an idea and her horse, after a few very gentle brushes, got used to it and loved the toothpaste.

She was also advised not to do it everydat as it can aggrevate the gums therefore lead to gum disease problems.

Good luck with your bolshy boy

 

[Overgrown Pony]

My recently bought 7 yr old had the same problem with gappy teeth. The gaps are called Diastema. You'll probably also find that the teeth above aren't wearing properly either.

What happens is the food becomes lodged in the gaps and the gums become infected (think it's called periodontal disease). It can be very painful. I've just spent £750 getting my horses diastema sorted out and after 2 weeks with a very painful mouth he's now a different horse.

 

[wormhugs]

It doesnt sound like your bolshy old chap would tolerate this, but my dentist recommended using the hosepipe to rinse my boys mouth out!!! He is getting a little gappy between his teeth (he is 20 now) and he really doesnt mind too much at all! I just put it in like a wormer and turn the tap on (quite gently) and all the stuck stuff comes swirling out