Caring for the Equine Elder

also increases in older horses especially if they develop a metabolic disorder. 
The senior horse benefits from a farrier who understands that the challenges of stiff joints and arthritic limbs mean they lack the flexibility to lift limbs as high as the youngster in the next stall. The support of a Hoofjack hoof stand can bring relief for the senior who is no longer steady while supporting their weight on three legs.
Dentistry
Extra diligence must be paid to the seniors dental health. Horses teeth continually erupt as the grinding surface is worn down by chewing and instances of unbalanced chewing surfaces escalate horses ages. Uneven wear causes the development of sharp points in the mouth which may result in ulcerations reluctance to chew food poor digestion and a higher incidence of choke. Severely uneven wear can lead to a condition called wave mouth when two or more molar crowns are longer than adjacent teeth and wear down opposing teeth excessively. Missing or loose teeth can lead to step mouth where one molar has grown unopposed by its missing opposite and grows longer than the others in the dental arcade. This condition requires regular inspection and care as food can get packed in leading to dental disease abscess or infection.
In very elderly horses the teeth may lose their rough edges and become entirely smooth resulting in the inability to grind food. Horses with smooth mouth should be fed highly digestible feeds that are easy to eat such as soaked hay cubes or beet pulp your veterinarian or equine nutritionist will be able to recommend the best course of management.
Maintaining good dental health into old age is one of the single best ways to encourage longevity. It is far more difficult to address and fix a chronic dental issue once the horse has reached later age. Dental exams are recommended annually for all horses and twice a year for elderly horses. Foul odours coming from the mouth nasal discharge loose incisors broken teeth red or inflamed gums quidding dropping partially chewed food weight loss not finishing feed and resistance to the bridle are all reasons to call the vet and have the teeth checked. If your horse is no longer chewing in a regular circular pattern this can indicate sharp points and uneven wear and warrants a veterinary dental appointment. Some elderly horses may have few or no teeth at all so special