Tooth/Mouth Problem

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samlf

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My 5 year old seems to have a tooth problem - she is reactive and uncomfortable in the mouth on one rein when schooling, but perfect when ridden bitless.
There has been a small amount of nasal discharge after being schooled only, from one nostril (but the opposite nostril to the problem rein).

The vet originally suspected apical abscess but now feels it is unlikely due to the discharge not being thick or smelly enough and being the opposite side to the problem rein. Discharge is possibly a red herring.

She checked teeth today - tiny step one side, no ulceration or inflammation anywhere but did a very small amount of rasping (was done 3 months ago) and to ride her and see if that has solved it. If not, next step is x-rays.

I am certain this will not have resolved the problem as it was quite pronounced and sudden in onset - there were not any signs of external injury at any time. She is level behind and tracking up, it is not a physical issue beyond the mouth.

Does anyone have any suggestions for what it may be? I am worried the x-rays will not show anything and we will be stuck.

I have thought of thermal imaging although not sure how useful that will be as already pinpointed the rough area for the problem.
 
Has she got any wolf teeth coming through or have they been removed already, they would be my first thought of being the potential cause of problems in a young horse, if there were removed did all the tooth come out as a fragment left behind will move and be irritating but only when the bit is in.
 
Sorry yes they were both removed in October by the vet as were blind.
How would you know if a fragment was left? Would you be able to feel in the gum? It would show up on xray if not I guess.
 
samlf said:
Sorry yes they were both removed in October by the vet as were blind.
How would you know if a fragment was left? Would you be able to feel in the gum? It would show up on xray if not I guess.
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It may well be a fragment then if they were blind as they can be tricky to get out cleanly, you may be able to feel something just under the surface if you run your finger gently but firmly along the gum line, it will show on xrays if there is something lurking there, it gives you a starting point and if it is then it is easily dealt with.
 
My mare was unknowingly left with a fragment of wolf tooth root left in her gum. She became very hostile to handle, so much so that I had to headcollar her over the stable door before entering. Her aggression was a worry and it was unfortunately some time before we pinned it down to tooth trouble and had teeth X rayed. The vet dug out the fragment and once healed she was a changed character, poor mare. Hadn't helped her cause in that she was a young and naturally very hormonal mare as a five year old so some of her behaviour was put down to age and stage. I felt awful at the time but post wolf tooth extraction she'd been fine for several weeks so just hadn't linked the two. The fragment couldn't be felt but could be seen on an X ray.
 
Thanks finger crossed it's that then - I will have a feel when I go up again in a while. She's perfect to handle but there's very clearly something uncomfortable there so hopefully it is as simple as an xray and it can be removed.
 
X-ray should show the problem - though it will probably need a couple. But the problem may not be 'simple' to resolve. I had a 5 year old's mouth x-rayed the other day - she has a split black tooth and FOUL breath - though it's too far back to interfere with the bit. She's going to 3 Counties next Thursday to hae it removed by their dental specialist- it was too solid to pull - that would have almost certainly left fragments. The cost is a bit awful. (Around £1500!)
 
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