b'EQUINE WELLNESS EXAMS 101diets, which can be literal lifesavers for these horses because they usually include a complete ration that will address all nutrient needs. Further, volume increases (made gradually) often help these horses, STEPHANIE L. CHURCH/THE HORSEand adding another meal rather than increasing the amount fed at one time might help them stay in good condition. Dentistry Unlike the teeth of dogs, cats, and humans, a horses set of teeth constantlyWellness exams are vital for identifying dental problems that might affect the horses ability to eat.erupts from the gumline for decades. Therefore, horses need more regular den- floats allow the horses jaw to have com- can mature and lay eggs. That approach tal care than companion animals.plete range of motion while chewing andled to anthelmintic resistance: Essentially, Horses benefit from annual dentalallow proper grinding of hay and grain.deworming drugs today are no longer as exams as part of their wellness assess- Senior horse considerations A com- effective, or in some cases effective at all, ment. Problems with teeth can manifestmon misconception is that equine teethat addressing many types of parasites. as a variety of signs, including weighterupt forever. On the contrary, a horseVeterinarians now have a tool, the fecal loss, quidding (dropping food), reluctanceonly has so much tooth to erupt, andegg count (FEC), with which they can as-to accept the bit, and choke. These examstooth crown will eventually become verysess a horses worm burdensomething are vital to assess for dental problemsthin. Many geriatric horses, usually thosethey often do during wellness exams. The (e.g., sharp points, hooks, diastemas oraround 30, lose teeth or wear them downFEC guides the vets recommendations gaps between teeth, tooth fractures, etc.)to the extent they can no longer use them.for testing frequency, anthelmintic choice, that affect the horses comfort and abilityOften, horses without a full set of teethand timing of administration.to eat. Some horses might have anatomicare unable to eat hay and rely on a diet abnormalities such as dental waves orof processed forage and soaked grain orTake-Home Message parrot mouth.complete feed.Horse care is a tedious and near- Regular dentistry can help keepconstant task. This is where the compre-problems at bay. Your veterinarian canFecal Egg Counts hensive wellness exam comes in. With perform a full sedated exam with a specu- Our approach to parasitism in equineyour veterinarians help, you can provide lum to assess all aspects of your horsesmedicine has changed over the past fewyour horse with regular and appropriate mouth. If needed, he or she can performdecades. Veterinarians no longer recom- maintenance and catch signs of problems a dental float, removing any sharp and/ mend the frequent use of anthelminticsearly to keep your herd happy, healthy, or abnormal points and hooks. Successful(dewormers) to kill parasites before theyand comfortable.hAt ADM Animal Nutriion, we believe in the Forage First philosophy, supported by over 100 years of feed manufacturing excellence. Every day, we source the cleanest, most nutriious ingredients for our premium Forage First horse feeds so you can feed the very best to the one you love the most. ADMequine.comEquine Help Line: 800-650-8254 AN.Equinehelp@adm.com16March 2020The Horse|TheHorse.comWellnessExams.indd 16 2/5/20 12:02 PM'