The horse's mouth is a sensitive area. Healthy teeth are important not only for eating, but also for riding with a bridle and bit. Many instances of head shaking or restlessness under the saddle can originate in the horse's mouth.
A fully grown horse has between 36 and 44 teeth. The number of canine teeth varies, with between zero and four possible. In fact, mares can also have canine teeth. In addition, there are twelve incisors and 24 molars, which are also called grinding teeth and are further divided into premolars (front molars) and molars (back molars). There is a gap between the incisors and molars, known as the bar. This is where the bit is placed when bridling.
Over the course of a horse's life, the teeth gradually move forward from the tooth sockets as they are naturally worn down from above through use. This makes it appear as if a horse's teeth are constantly growing. In fact, however, only the root area shortens.
What wisdom teeth are to humans, stallion teeth (also known as hook teeth) and wolf teeth are to horses. Horses no longer need these teeth to chew properly or survive. These teeth are simply a remnant of the evolutionary history of horses.
Some horses do not develop them at all or only two out of four. Wolf teeth can put pressure on the bit and interfere with riding, so you should have this area checked by your veterinarian. In most cases, wolf teeth are extracted. This procedure is performed under sedation and is quite straightforward.
Hooked teeth make it difficult for the animal to eat and can also interfere with riding. The tongue can be injured by sharp edges and points, causing pain when eating. Hooks that develop irregularly in the horse's teeth can lead to misalignment of the jaw joint and cause balance problems. So a few small teeth can cause a lot of grief. The equine dentist – it is advisable to work with a specialist here – must rasp the teeth and proceed very precisely so that both sides of the teeth fit together. If too much is removed on one side, the pressure distribution during use will be uneven. Excessive pressure on a single tooth can even lead to tooth fractures. Just like in humans, tartar must also be removed regularly in horses to prevent painful gum problems. As a general rule, you should schedule a dental check-up for your horse every six to twelve months, depending on its predisposition.
Horses usually suffer in silence. This means that we don't always recognize early on that something is wrong, especially in the early stages of dental problems. This is why regular routine checks are so important.
But at some point, even a horse can no longer hide its pain and the problems associated with it. You should watch out for the following signs:
When riding:
When handling:
So keep an eye on your horse and check its mouth regularly. However, brushing its teeth is not a good idea. You will be doing it a bigger favor by having a professional regularly rasp its teeth and remove tartar.
Just like humans and dogs, more and more cats are developing the metabolic disease diabetes. However, diabetes in cats differs from that in dogs and humans in a number of key ways. Middle-aged neutered male cats are particularly affected. Maine Coon and Siamese cats are more susceptible to diabetes.
Horses are flight animals. If something frightens them, they will run away faster than some owners can even blink. There are many possible triggers: a large green tractor while out riding, posters in an indoor riding arena, or children playing in the yard. However, with the right exercises, you can help your horse become more calm over time.
Rotz, often referred to as skin rot or skin worm, is one of the longest known diseases affecting horses. It is a bacterial, epidemic infectious disease characterized by purulent skin and mucous membrane ulcers and a mostly chronic course. While the disease is still widespread in Asia, Africa, and South America, it has been considered eradicated in Germany since 1956, although it was detected in a horse for the first time again in 2015. Due to the danger it poses to humans, the disease is still notifiable.
You probably often see your velvet-pawed friend licking themselves thoroughly, vigorously working on one spot or another of their fur. Cats groom themselves. Nevertheless, it is useful to help them with their fur care, not least to find and remove any parasites. The coat change will also be more pleasant for your cat if loose hairs are brushed out regularly. Especially with certain breeds such as Angora or Persian cats, you should stick to a daily routine to keep your pet well-groomed and healthy.
Are outdoor cats or indoor cats healthier and happier? What are the respective advantages and disadvantages, and what suits my cat and my lifestyle best? Here you will find useful information to help you make your decision.
It is a dramatic sight for us as owners when our own horse suddenly cannot bend its hind leg and can barely walk. In many cases, the kneecap dislocation resolves itself and the horse runs normally again. If the dislocation does not resolve, a veterinarian must remedy the situation by skillfully manipulating the horse and leading it backwards or sideways so that it can walk normally again. A brief digression into the anatomy of the knee joint provides a simple explanation for this phenomenon.
Phlebitis is an inflammatory change in the vein wall. In horses, the jugular veins, which are located on either side of the neck in the jugular groove, are often affected. These veins transport blood from the head to the heart. Due to their location and easy accessibility, they are most commonly used for injections, infusions, or the insertion of intravenous catheters.
In order to truly understand this disease, which has been known for 2000 years, it is first important to understand the structure of the hoof roll. Riders often say, "My horse is lame, it has hoof roll." Strictly speaking, however, every horse has a hoof roll; this term refers only to the anatomical structure consisting of the navicular bone, bursa, and deep flexor tendon. The navicular bone is a small, elongated bone shaped like a shuttle, which lies transversely at the back of the hoof joint under the deep flexor tendon. Between the tendon and the navicular bone is the navicular bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that prevents pressure and friction between the tendon and the bone. Only the term navicular disease or podotrochlose describes the actual condition, which can affect all three components.
Mitral valve disease (MMVD) is a chronic degenerative disease of the heart valves. It is the most common heart disease in dogs and mainly affects older dogs of smaller breeds. An exception is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, which often develops the disease at the age of 1.5 to two years.
Your cat is sure to appreciate a change of scenery now and then, especially if it lives indoors all the time. Of course, it's not just indoor cats that like to play with their humans—outdoor cats enjoy it too.
Are you also fascinated by the beauty, intelligence, and strength of character of these cheerful, playful companions? Wonderful! Then we have some tips for you.
Kissing spines is a condition that causes the vertebrae to grow into each other. It is a change in the horse's spine. This results in a significant narrowing of the spaces between the vertebrae in the thoracic and lumbar spine, often in the saddle area. The diagnosis requires riders and owners to be vigilant and provide the right training.
