Chewing & Swallowing Difficulty in Old Age (dental insufficiency)

Veterinary care required

This condition belongs in veterinary diagnosis and treatment. Compounds are at most supportive.

Priority · vet & management

First the veterinary/dental examination — it clarifies which teeth bear, which are painful or missing. On this basis feed management is central: soaked hay/meadow cobs, senior mash and well-chopped or soaked feed instead of long, hard stalks, in several portions and with enough water. Complementary feeds are only adjunctive.

Possible causes

• · age-related tooth wear up to the using-up of the cheek teeth
• · tooth loss, gaps (diastemata) and loose teeth
• · painful dental diseases such as EOTRH or sharp edges
• · hasty gulping of poorly chewed feed as a choke risk

Supportive compounds · supplementary feed, not medication

Prevention

Regular dental checks in the senior and a timely switch to easily soakable feed prevent quidding, choke and emaciation before the general condition suffers.

Equiterna's take

Equiterna sees senior chewing weakness as a bridge between mouth and the whole horse: first the dental check, then the suitable, soaked feed. This way even horses with few cheek teeth remain dignifiedly provided for.