I’ve had my quarter horse for about a year. When I first got him he had a regular bite but his teeth did need to be floated. I got his teeth floated and all was well. It’s been about 6 months since then and I’ve noticed he is developing a severe cross bite. Not sure if that’s what they call it in the equestrian world but his top and bottom teeth don’t line up and it seems to be getting worse. Does anybody know what could have caused this? Is it something to do with when his teeth were floated?
It sounds like he needs to be seen by the dentist again. Some horses do need floating every six months.
When you had him floated before, who did you have do the work? A veterinary dentist? A lay dentist? Was he sedated and did the dentist use a speculum?
There’s a WIDE variety in skillset and knowledge of those calling themselves “dentist” in the equine world. Your best bet is to find a vet who specializes in dentistry. Sedation and a speculum are both really required to access the back of the mouth.
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Can the need for floating cause them to get a cross bite? That’s the part I’m confused about. The vet who floated his teeth before is very well known and respected in the area I live so I’m sure she knew what she was doing. I didn’t watch her float his teeth so I’m not sure what exactly she did
Sounds like you have a good veterinary dentist–have her back out to look. Yes, there is probably a problem in how he’s wearing that’s causing the cross bite.
The teeth continue to erupt. He should be examined again. It’s not that unusual for a horse to require dental work every six months.
