Did you know? Horses can develop dental abscesses!
A dental abscess occurs when bacteria invade the pulp or root of a tooth, leading to painful infection. These are most common in the cheek teeth and can have serious consequences if left untreated.
Signs to watch for include:
- Quidding (dropping feed) or slow chewing.
- Foul breath or discharge from the mouth.
- Swelling of the jaw or face.
- Resistance to handling, bitting, or sudden behaviour changes.
Causes include:
- Fractured or worn teeth.
- Advanced periodontal disease.
- Food packing between teeth (diastema).
- Occasionally, direct trauma.
If the affected tooth is in the upper jaw, infection may also spread into the nearby sinuses – causing a persistent, foul-smelling nasal discharge.
Treatment by an equine dentist or veterinarian may involve:
- Extraction of the affected tooth.
- Flushing or draining the infection.
- Antibiotics and supportive care.
Dental abscesses are painful but treatable. Even better than treatment is prevention: by regularly observing your horse closely and scheduling routine dental care, problems can often be avoided or caught early – before they become serious.
The Happy Horse Foundation is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission
The Happy Horse Foundation is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission
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