Vet Tips 2025: Why Senior Horses Are “Long in the Tooth”—And What That Means 🐴🦷

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Your older horse might be stiff, slower, or even a little lumpy—but he’s also wiser, calmer, and still very much a part of your life. And as he ages, dental health becomes one of the most critical parts of his well-being. 🧠

Equine teeth don’t “grow” as horses age, but they do continually erupt—and wear down. Over time, that wear catches up. Here’s why your horse is “long in the tooth” and what it means for his comfort, nutrition, and care. 🐴🦷

What Does “Long in the Tooth” Actually Mean? 🧊🦷

Unlike humans (who have brachydont teeth), horses have hypsodont teeth—which erupt and wear down throughout life. Think of them like icebergs that slowly rise out of the gums as the top wears down.

By the time a horse enters their 20s or 30s, much of that “iceberg” is gone—leaving very little functional tooth left. 🔁

Why Older Horses Struggle With Dental Issues 👴🐎

Over time, horses may develop:

• 📉 Missing teeth (from wear or extractions)
• 📏 Jagged high or low spots from uneven wear
• 🦷 Worn or cupped molars that can’t grind effectively
• 🧬 Periodontal disease, infections, or loose teeth

Many of these changes reduce chewing efficiency and can lead to weight loss, choke, and colic if left unchecked. 🆘

EOTRH: A Unique Senior Horse Disease 🧠🩸

Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis (EOTRH) is a painful condition affecting the incisors and canines of senior horses.

• 🧱 Resorption of tooth roots
• 🧬 Overgrowth of cementum (hard tissue)
• 🔥 Gum inflammation and infection

This disease often makes grazing painful or impossible. Your horse may appear “off feed,” drop weight, or avoid biting into carrots or hay. 📉

How to Spot Dental Trouble in Older Horses 👁️🦷

Watch for these warning signs between vet visits:

• 🥣 Quidding (dropping wads of partially chewed hay)
• 📉 Weight loss despite normal appetite
• 🩸 Gum bleeding, swelling, or redness
• 🧼 Foul breath or nasal discharge (especially on one side)
• 😴 Reluctance to eat hard treats or graze

Yes—you should look at your horse’s poop. Long hay fibers in the manure mean incomplete digestion due to poor chewing. 🔍💩

What Happens When a Horse Runs Out of Teeth? ❌🦷

Thankfully, modern equine nutrition offers solutions. Horses without functional teeth can thrive on:

• 🥣 Senior complete feeds (soft, nutritionally balanced)
• 🧊 Soaked hay pellets or cubes
• 🛢️ Vegetable oil for calorie boosting without extra sugars

Many horses even regain condition after full incisor extraction for EOTRH. Don’t fear the loss—focus on comfort and nourishment. 💙

Why Dental Exams Matter—Even in Older Horses 📆🩺

A sedated dental exam with a full mouth speculum is the only way to truly assess your horse’s oral health. Non-veterinary floaters may miss:

• 🔍 Loose or infected teeth
• 📸 Sinus issues linked to tooth roots
• 🧪 Subtle gum disease or fractures

Regular dental exams maximize tooth longevity and reduce pain—even in horses nearing the end of their tooth life. 🧠✅

Feeding Tips for Aging Horses With Dental Needs 🥄🌾

• 🧊 Soak hay pellets into a mash
• 🥕 Feed soft feeds 2–3x/day to reduce choke risk
• 💧 Encourage drinking with wet feed
• 📈 Weigh regularly to monitor subtle weight shifts

When to Consider Tooth Extraction 🪥🚫

Loose, painful, or infected teeth can trigger systemic inflammation and reduce your horse’s quality of life. If chewing becomes a struggle, your vet may recommend extractions—especially for diseased incisors. 🧠

Need Help Managing Senior Horse Dental Care? Ask A Vet 📱🐴

Not sure if your older horse needs a float, radiograph, or tooth extraction? Connect with a dental-savvy vet at Ask A Vet today.

Download the Ask A Vet app for real-time guidance on feeding, oral health, and aging horse management—anytime. 🐎📋

Final Thoughts: Age Gracefully, Chew Comfortably 💛🐴

With the right support, your older horse can live a long, comfortable life—even if they’re short on teeth. Regular dental exams, smart feeding strategies, and early intervention make all the difference. 🧠🪥

Need a plan for your senior equine partner? Visit Ask A Vet and speak with a vet who gets it. 🐴💙