Care about old horses begins with the recognition of the fact that with age, their dental health is subjected to risks capable of radically changing their life. According to statistics, about 60% of horses older than 20 years face problems with teeth, which directly reflect on their nutrition and general condition of health. We will try to consider the most widespread problems in detail and offer corresponding solutions. For ensuring full-fledged nutrition of old horses, it is important to consider their dental health and use appropriate equine horse feed.
Subtleties of care about oral cavity of old horses: how to ensure them full-fledged nutrition
Content:
– Understanding of age: Why does the dental health of old horses require special attention?
– Hidden threats: a comprehensive view on main dental problems.
– Nutritional facts: how the health of teeth affects feeding and general condition.
– Monitoring and diagnostics: strategic approaches for identification and control of problems.
– Programs of management: practical advice on care and feeding.
– Successful examples: real stories of victories over dental problems.
– Why regular examinations are needed: the foundation of health and longevity of horses.
Aging as a challenge: understanding of dental problems in elderly horses
Care about old horses begins with recognition of fact that with age their dental health is subjected to risks capable of radically change their life. According to statistics, about 60% horses older than 20 years face with problems of teeth, which directly reflect on their nutrition and general condition of health. We will try in detail consider most widespread problems and offer corresponding solutions.
Invisible enemies: most widespread dental problems
- Wear of teeth: According to research, up to 80% of old horses suffer from the wear of teeth, which causes difficulties with chewing and reduces the absorption of nutrients.
- Loss of teeth: About 50% of elderly horses lose at least one tooth, which conditions their inability to effectively chew rough feed.
- Tartar and caries: These problems affect up to 30% of horses older than 25 years, causing pain and inflammation, which reduces appetite and leads to loss of mass.
- Sharp edges and hooks: Incorrect bite or uneven wear can lead to the formation of sharp edges, which injure the oral cavity, making it difficult to consume food.
How problems with teeth reflect on nutrition and health
Dental problems can lead to undernutrition and insufficient consumption of vitamins and minerals necessary for maintaining weight and energy. Horses without several teeth can lose up to 15% of body mass over several months. Irritation and pain in the oral cavity can also cause a reduction of appetite by up to 25%, which is fraught with energy starvation. This contributes to the development of chronic diseases, such as colic.
Diagnostics: how timely identify and eliminate dental problems
Regular dental examinations can identify hidden problems at early stage. Importance of such examinations confirmed by fact that more than 90% diagnosed problems successfully treated with timely intervention. Veterinarians use methods of visual examination, palpation, radiography and endoscopy for accurate diagnostics.
Proper management and care: thought-out strategy for improvement of condition
- Regular examinations: It is important to conduct examinations at least once a year and with persistent problems — every 6 months. This allows for promptly identifying and correcting dental anomalies.
- Correction of diet: Nutrition should consist of easily digestible feeds. Inclusion in the diet of softer products, such as specialized pellets, can significantly improve quality of life.
- Support of gum health: Regular help in care about teeth and the health of gums with the use of a special inventory will help avoid the accumulation of plaque and tartar.
- Professional dental help: In the presence of complex problems, it is necessary to contact veterinary dentists. Their qualification allows them to conduct procedures minimizing discomfort in horses.
Real successes: how simple changes make wonders
In my practice was case with 25-year-old mare. Because of significant wear of teeth and loss of molars she lost 10 kg over 2 months. After three months after adaptation of diet and regular dental procedures she not only returned her previous weight, but also surpassed it by 5 kg, and her activity and mood improved.
Regular examinations — way to health and longevity
Prevention — the foundation of longevity and health of old horses. Regular veterinary examinations allow for the timely identification of problems, prevent their development, and prolong the active life of horses. This strengthens their general health and improves the quality of their life. More detail about this can be learned from article about horses.
Understanding of these problems and implementation of proper care can significantly improve quality of life of old horses, ensuring them long and healthy old age. Hope this information motivates owners and specialists to provide better care.
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