-
Chews in Horses and Their Sharp Points
Hi Doc T, I wanted to pick your brain about something that I’ve noticed in a lot of pasture horses that are not fed grain or only fed a small amount (less than 1 pound). You state that the more a horse chews, the more they wear their teeth. I’ve been finding that pasture horses or horses not fed a lot of grain, don’t have as sharp of enamel points as the horses stalled longer and fed grain. I saw a group of minis not too long ago that haven’t had their teeth done in 2.5 years, when they were floated it was manual float, not power. Their ages varied. They did not have any hooks, waves, ramps, and their teeth were between 3 and 4 in sharpness. None of them had razor sharp enamel points. Why do you think this is? I’ve noticed it in other horses as well, not just the minis. My horse for example eats the soaked soybean meal and cubes, plus hay and is out on pasture for about 16 hours a day. I’ve had her for 3 years, she recieved a float when I first got her, and I just floated her a few days ago.
-
1 Reply
-
Melissa and I have noticed this as well this year and we are perplexed. It is the first time we are noticing this and I have done this a long time. However it is not seen everywhere or at all barns. There must be something being added (or not added) recently but I can’t figure this out – but I have a hypothesis.
There was no mention in my text books in the 1980’s about tooth decay and subsequent cheek tooth fractures. In addition there is evidence by electron microscopy of 3 types of enamel which I have (on my own) called soft, hard and brittle. Maybe more horses are not being fed grain and this is hardening the enamel and subsequently the teeth are not becoming as sharp as fast.
It would be interesting to note the ages of these horses because the younger the horse the softer the teeth and the more frequently they need floating. While you work and notice reduced levels of sharp points, ask 1) the age of the horses, 2) ask when they stopped feeding grain and 3) if they are on (or have come off of) any long term medications or supplements. This will help get a sense of if this is a result of feeding grain, supplements or medications (alters the oral microbiota) which would be very interesting. I have always thought that the enamel at the end of the tooth was made years ago and would not change except with age (length of tooth). It would be fascinating to think that the sugar of grain and / or the altered microbiota are causing the softening of the teeth and the development of sharp edges faster.
Log in to reply.