Dental Arcade

Horses are livestock, evaluation is based of production

• efficiency

• growth to potential timeline

• economical use of feed

Anomalies in dental arcade are major faults in all breed standards

• some ponies may have diff standards

language

like all things, can be confusing, hence the numbers

Healthy mouth

Appears healthy

• teeth uniform in size and shape and color

• mostly white w/o decay

• correct number of teeth for age

• no visible roots/gum disease

Evaluate

• pull lips apart

• be friendly and gentle

Shear mouth

horse compensates for injury and the teeth grind in a slanted fashion

Wry nose

lateral deviation of rostrum

Care program

appropriate nutrition

• annual oral exam/floating under sedation

Bit seat

grind down premolars and canines