Mouth injuries in horses can arise as a result of various causes, ranging from inappropriate handling and incorrect equipment to accidental ingestion of sharp objects. Here, we discuss how to identify and treat these types of injuries while ensuring that the horse doesn’t suffer from further discomfort during recovery.
Causes of Mouth Injuries in Horses
Mouth injuries in horses typically occur on the tongue, corners of the lips, or gums. Some common causes include:
- Ineffective Handling: Mishandling the horse’s mouth, such as using excessive force when bridling, can result in injuries.
- Badly-Fitting Bits: The use of ill-fitting bits can cause discomfort and lead to injuries due to inappropriate pressure or rubbing.
- Ingesting Sharp Objects: Horses can sustain injuries from consuming sharp objects mixed in with their food, like a hawthorn twig in their hay.
Ineffective Handling: An Unfortunate Cause of Mouth Injuries in Horses
The way a horse’s mouth is handled, including how a bit and bridle are introduced and used, plays a significant role in that animal’s oral health. Unfortunately, a common cause of mouth injuries in horses is ineffective or inappropriate handling – sometimes referred to as being ‘ham-fisted.’
The Impact of Forceful Handling
Horses have a sensitive mouth, and undeclared or sudden contact during bridling can easily lead to injury. This includes abrasions or cuts on the lips, corners of the mouth, the tongue, or gums. Particularly with forceful or abrupt attempts to insert or adjust the bit, a horse can experience significant discomfort and physical harm. Continued forceful handling can lead to chronic oral conditions or the horse developing negative behavior patterns, like resistance during tacking, due to associated pain and discomfort.
The Role of Experience and Understanding
Ineffective handling often stems from a lack of experience, understanding, or patience. For instance, beginners may unknowingly apply too much pressure when inserting or adjusting the bit. Some handlers might also rush the bridling process without giving the horse time to accept the bit willingly, which increases the chances of causing stress or injury.
The Issue with Improper Bridling Techniques
An incorrectly fitted bridle poses an equally significant risk. If a bridle is too tight, it can create pressure points, leading to sores and wounds. On the other hand, a loose bridle could slide uncomfortably and catch on the horse’s teeth or elsewhere, causing unnecessary friction and subsequent damage.
By understanding the sensitive nature of a horse’s mouth and the significant impact of handling technique, horse owners and handlers can work towards more mindful, effective handling practices. This can significantly reduce the risk of injuries and improve the overall well-being of the horse.
Badly-Fitting Bits: A Source of Discomfort and Injury in Horses
Bit fitting is an often-overlooked aspect of horse care; however, it has a significant impact on a horse’s oral health, comfort, and overall well-being. When bits are incorrectly sized or poorly designed, it can lead to a range of issues, from simple discomfort to serious injuries and behavioral problems.
Uncomfortable Pressures and Sores
Bits that are too big or too small for the horse’s mouth can exert undue pressure on their gums, lips, or tongue. This results in sores, abrasions, and in some cases, deep cuts. Prolonged exposure to this kind of pressure can create chronic sores that are painful and increase the risk of infection.
Moreover, the bit may rub against the horse’s teeth, causing wear and tear that can lead to dental issues over time. In cases where the bit is too high in the mouth, it could interfere with the roof of the mouth, causing trauma.
Discomfort Translating into Behavior Issues
Uncomfortable bits not only lead to physical pain but resultant behavior issues in horses. They may resist bridling, toss their heads, chew excessively on the bit, or even buck and rear due to the discomfort. This type of adverse behavior is often misinterpreted as disobedience or resistance, but it may actually be the horse’s cry for help.
Material and Design Factors
The material of the bit and its design can also contribute to the issue. Rough or textured materials may lead to sores and abrasions more quickly than polished or softer materials. Similarly, certain designs, such as complex multi-joint bits, can inadvertently create pressure points or pinch the horse’s mouth, causing pain.
Using a well-fitting bit and taking care to adjust it correctly in the horse’s mouth are basic, yet critical aspects of horse care. By understanding the need for correct bit size and design, handlers can greatly enhance a horse’s comfort and prevent injuries.
Ingesting Sharp Objects: An Underestimated Risk to Horses
While often overlooked compared to handling and tack-related injuries, horses are also at risk when they inadvertently ingest sharp objects present in their food or foraging areas. Even humble materials like hawthorn twigs, often mixed unsuspectedly with hay, can pose a serious threat to a horse’s oral and digestive health.
Impact on Oral Health
When horses unknowingly ingest food that contains sharp items – be it sticks, wire, stones, or other objects – they can suffer from a range of mouth injuries. These may include cuts on the tongue, gums, soft palate, or elsewhere in the mouth. These wounds may result in discomfort, bleeding, and potentially serious infections.
Dangers to Digestive Health
Swallowing sharp objects brings further risk as they pass through the horse’s digestive tract. Moving through the oesophagus, these objects can cause tears and abrasions. Once they reach the stomach or intestines, there’s the considerable risk of causing a blockage or perforation, both of which are severe conditions that necessitate immediate veterinary attention.
The Role of Vigilance and Implications in Horse Care
The prevention of such injuries is primarily about vigilance in feeding and maintaining the horse’s surroundings. Hay and other feed should be carefully checked for potential hazards before being offered. Regular field checks can help identify dangerous plants or materials that horses could accidentally ingest while grazing.
Moreover, it’s always necessary to observe changes in a horse’s behaviour or eating habits which might indicate a problem. Any signs of distress, reluctance to eat, drooling, or sudden weight loss could signal a possible ingestion injury and should prompt immediate consultation with a veterinarian.
The risk of injuries from ingesting sharp objects underlines the importance of careful and considered management of the horse’s environment and diet. Through keen observation and appropriate preventive measures, this risk can be substantially reduced, ensuring the horse’s health and well-being.
Essential Treatments for Mouth Injuries
Once a mouth injury is identified, it is crucial to treat and manage it while preventing further discomfort during the healing process:
Apologies for the confusion. Let’s expand on the topics of resting the bridle, tongue injuries, and providing soft food for a horse.
Resting the Bridle
When a horse incurs an oral injury, resting the bridle can drastically improve the healing process. Using a bridle too soon can exacerbate the injury, delaying recovery time. Adhering to the following steps could make the healing process smoother:
- Suspend Bridle-use: Until the injury fully heals, refrain from using the bridle. This decision rests upon veterinarian advice as some injuries might not be visible enough for the untrained eye.
- Monitor Healing: Regularly monitor the healing progress. This action helps ensure there are no complications, like infections, which could prolong recovery.
- Prevent Recurrences: Post-recovery, assess the probable cause of the injury. Maybe the bridle was ill-fitted or the bit was too harsh. Ensure that you rectify any such issues to prevent recurrence.
Tongue Injuries
Tongue injuries can be particularly distressing for a horse. Hence, to manage these injuries, one could follow these steps:
- Clean the Wound: After feeding, always rinse the horse’s mouth to flush out any food particles lodged near the wound, preventing infection.
- Use Healing Aids: Apply a boracic lotion (under vet supervision) to the affected area. This antiseptic solution aids in reducing inflammation and accelerating healing.
- Regular Vet Check-ups: Ensure regular vet consultations to monitor the healing process and make necessary adjustments in the treatment.
Providing Soft Food
If the horse is struggling with solid food due to an oral injury, transitioning to softer food options can make a significant difference:
- Soft Food Diet: Provide a diet rich in soft foods such as mashed carrots, beet pulp or bran mash. These options are nourishing yet gentle on the horse’s mouth.
- Hydration: Ensure that the food is well-hydrated. Adding enough water can soften the feed further, making it easier for the horse to consume.
- Transition Back: Once the horse’s mouth heals, gradually reintroduce their regular diet. Start this when the horse shows no signs of discomfort while eating the softer feed.
Caring for a horse’s oral injury requires patience and attentive care. Always remember to consult with a veterinarian before making any significant changes to a horse’s routine or diet.
