Crescendo Horse

[Doc-t]

My thoughts:

This is a common problem with many horses we see whose threshold of pain is low. They allow you to work almost anywhere except the spot that is bothering them. That’s when they don’t feel you are listening to them. All goes well until you get to the spot where it hurts and, because you have settled in to your rhythm, you don’t feel the “crescendo” that started at the first upper left cheek teeth. This is often just an increase in tension or other subtle signal you miss as you move from the front of the arcade towards the back. Often, instead of a progression from 206 to 7 to 8 to 9 to 10 to 11 you instead jump from 208 to 211 and then work backwards to 210 and 209. Many horses are following an order, especially melancholy horses (those who like an ordered list) and when you jump unexpectedly to the last tooth – the one that is causing a painful cheek – they react. They have lost trust.

But maybe you didn’t just jump back there. Maybe you worked in an orderly progression and you had remained alert to any subtle signs from the horse. There are some who will just explode once your float reaches this area because they are unable to tolerate the pain at the cheek where it touches 210 and 211.

Whatever the approach was, it is important how you handle the very next move. I believe you need to stop and acknowledge the problem and let the horse know that you goofed and that you are sorry. Treat them as you would want to be treated. Next, go to another part of the mouth and work there to rebuild the trust. After the horse has settled with their energy, use the over-under approach with the slim line float to gain access to 211. Before you do this, use English and tell them what you will be doing. Use eye contact if they like that. Give ALL indications you are aware of the pain and that you will be proceeding in a different way to remove the problem.

Do a few strokes aiming for 211 and catching the sharp edge. Depending on the reaction, either leave the mouth and give them a moment while bringing their head into your body and lightly rubbing the area at 211 with your fingers through their cheek. You can also do this simultaneously on 111 allowing the horse to add 2+2 – that you are helping remove the sharp offending point.

Some horses, once they realize you are being successful in removing the point, will allow you to return to the upper left area and continue to roll the edge from occlusal surface to vertical edge. Others will require you to go somewhere else in the mouth and return to 211 later. It may take you 3 or 4 short visits to this area using only the slim line float but usually, most horses will figure out that the perceived pain you are causing is actually making things better. The over-under approach is what shines in this kind of horse plus the patience to earn the trust of the horse. Other techniques that work well to get to the buccal edge of 211 is the reverse hand over (I use this a lot) and if the horse lets you, the hand and float in the mouth together (hard for many horses but effective here).

I choke up on the shaft when I use the over-under. My hand holds only the shaft and the blade is almost 90 degrees to the arcade. My first draw is almost parallel to the occlusal surface while the tip of the blade is pushing the cheek away from the tooth. Then, as allowed by the horse, I pitch the blade up to get more of a bevel on the buccal edge. However, the final edge approach comes when I use the float shaft in parallel with the arcade.

Many of the Olympic level horses seem to be very sensitive in the 211 area. Same with the smart horses.

If necessary, either have the owner give some Banamine about an hour before you float next time or have a vet give Rompun / Torbugesic IV about 5 minutes before going there. ALSO, re-float this horse every 6 months and by the 4th float, he will know and trust you. CAUTION should be used when floating a horse in a field. Without any containment, I go to medications earlier for my safety.

You note that the owner had a problem loading her. This horse is just frustrated that humans are not listening to them and her ONLY way to get through is to SHOUT LOUDLY! The good news is that when they do feel that they are being listened to (and heard) then they will become your best friend. I would bet that this horse is being fed grain, supplements and treats. The owner should try the 2 week no-grain challenge to see if she loads better. I have discussed this a lot – unwillingness to be shipped and colonic ulcers – and there is a lot of info on this here.

You say she was an S3 U1 and you did not feel a sharp point at 211. Is it possible you are missing this in palpations? I know I often miss this area on my first pass especially in sensitive horses. It’s only after my 3rd palpation that the horse allows my fingers to curve up into this area and I feel the sharp cingula that needs more work. Remember, there are some horses intolerant of pain so it doesn’t matter if the horse is a kind back yard horse, a high level sport horse or a “barley handled mustang.” Add to this the increased sensitivity a horse fed grain feels and you can get an explosion. Our job is to first establish a strong two way communication and then get prepared to notice things before they crescendo. This comes with time and more horses. Finally, you also need to know when to call for medications because it is in the horse’s best interest. I medicate 3 out of 100 (3%) so don’t think you will never medicate a horse.

An important note – PLEASE don’t use the word “sedate.” We medicate horses with pain medications. This is important when asking for help from a vet. Giving Dorm (dormesedan) (a sedative) gives zero pain relief and that is the medication this horse and most all horses reacting this way need. They will continue to fight once sedated because they are still in pain but when given pain killing medications, the horses usually comply. Please listen to my very first podcast Podcast #001 – Medications in Equine Dentistry

[Rosie]

I tried going back to another part of the mouth where I already floated and told the horse exactly what I was doing but every time I tried to put the float in the corner of her mouth she reared and snorted. I eventually got the float in her mouth and didn’t even float her teeth, but just leave the float there without rearing or reaction to show nothing bad would happen, then once I started again she reared and snorted. Unfortunately none of the vets in the area are very willing to come out and help medicate since they have their own dentist that works under them. This is great advice Doc T and I appreciate the time you took to write this! The owner was not upset at all and applauded my patience and effort to work with their horse. They also agreed to have me come back in 6 months.

[Doc-t]

Have him give some Banamine an hour before your visit. Oral is OK. Also, let me know if she is fed grain / supplements / treats. I’m just curious but don’t upset anyone by asking. Just something to think about the next time you go there.

[Rosie]

The horse is on grain and owner told me they put her on Mare Magic 1 day ago due to her behavior.

[Doc-t]

You can (gently) guide him either to the no-grain page of this website or to the group on Facebook.

Here is what mare magic is – and this falls into the category of “treating the problem rather than eliminating the root cause.”

Mare Magic

Mare Magic supplements are an herbal remedy developed to help the moody, cranky, uncomfortable mare.

Features:

• May also help your mare become more comfortable during her cycle
• Contains dried Raspberry Leaf, which has been known to help alleviate the effects of hormonal changes
• May also be used on geldings
• Will not test positive
• Highly palatable

Item Specifications:

Active Ingredient:
100% Raspberry Leaf (Rubus Idaus)