Page 56 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse
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Figure 2.11 Common sites for dental overgrowths which prohibit normal movements of the jaw
Routine inspection and rasping will prevent these problems developing. Once the hooks
are present, they can be removed with power instruments, for which the horse may need to be
sedated. Small hooks can often be rasped down with hand instruments. Large hooks are
removed in stages to avoid pulp exposure. Following the procedure, it may take up to six
weeks for the TMJ pain to subside and for the action of the jaw to return to normal.
It is not uncommon to see hooks that have grown so long that they have penetrated the
soft tissues of the opposite jaw causing wounds to the gum. The condition is particularly
common in elderly Shetland ponies who have not received routine dental care. These ponies
can be presented in an emaciated state after a long period of unnoticed suffering.
