Companion Animal Welfare

Horse Dentistry in Older Horses: Welfare and Nutrition

Dental disease is the primary welfare issue for aging horses, directly affecting their ability to eat, maintain weight, and remain pain-free through their senior years.

Key Facts

Horses have hypsodont (high-crowned) teeth that erupt continuously throughout life and wear down with age
By age 20-25, many horses have exhausted most of their tooth reserve, leading to eating difficulties
Sharp enamel points, wave mouth, and missing teeth are common welfare problems in senior horses
Annual dental examinations by a qualified equine dentist are the standard of care
Dental pain manifests as weight loss, quidding (dropping food), and behavioral changes under saddle

Welfare Considerations

Dental disease in older horses is a significant and often underappreciated source of chronic pain and malnutrition. Regular dental care, including floating (filing sharp points) and addressing malocclusions, is essential. Senior horses with poor dentition require modified diets including soaked hay cubes and complete feeds to maintain body condition. End-of-life decisions are sometimes precipitated by irreversible dental failure.

What You Can Do

Schedule annual dental examinations for all horses, increasing to every 6 months for seniors
Learn to recognize early signs of dental pain including head tossing and weight loss
Provide appropriate senior feeds and hay alternatives for horses with poor dentition
Work with a veterinarian to manage pain associated with dental procedures and disease