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Equine Dentistry

Dr. J.D. Norris of Equine Dentistry writes a monthly column in Cowboy Times magazine. Here is the November 2007 column:

Straight From the Vet's Mouth...

An experience this week has prompted this article. We had a 4-year-old presented for a dental, and during the pre-dental exam, it was revealed he had a problem stifle

When he was about 3 years old he had stifle surgery because of a "locked" stifle, and the surgery left him with some scar tissue. Now, you are probably wondering what stifles have to do with dentistry.

Most "locked" stifles are treated by blistering or surgersy. Also, most stifle problems occur between 2 1/2 and 3 1/2 years of age. This age also coincides with the eruption of the third molar. A person has to understand Chinese medicine to relate molar eruption and stifle problems.

Most universities don't teach this principle. This is not to say that all locking stifles are related to dental problems.

But, if you have have a young horse with a stifle problem, take a look at the 3rd molar eruption, as this may well be a conservative approach. A proper dental procedure may correct it. Surgery can always be the second option.

Just remember: a 3-year-old can have a weak hindquarter and stifle problem because of dental pathology.

Keep the feet and teeth balanced to have a balanced horse!