Tooth fracture

[karenkarenn]

Hello Out there,
Our ex racehorse that we use as a riding horse has had a fractured tooth for some time. We just found out today- we took him to the vet for his yearly floating and one of the right back molars was growing sideways. It grew so grewsome that it ripped into the cheek. He never complained, actually since our fire he has been with a friend of ours that provides daily care. They really developed a bond. Anyways. the portion was removed and Im sure that something HAS to be exposed.
The Dr. said there was and it was filed down. He was given antibodics and pain meds. Which we are to use. BUt I have had a tooth problem before and its PAINFUL. If he doesnt eat his hay, what can he eat that will help him?
Karen

[Cree]

My gelding just had surgery on his cheek/jaw bone. He had been kicked in the face and had to get the chips out.

He wasn't eating much the first few days, or drinking, after the surgery.

I hand grazed him on our fresh green spring grass and he would eat for hours at a time. Of course, that took time and patience, having to hand graze him, but it worked. He ate and got water through the grass for 2 days. He's now totally fine.

He also ate lots of beet pulp and senior feed (the kind that dissolves in their mouth).

[drewsbadboy]

I add warm water to a horse's senior feed (I use purina equine senior) and make it nice and soft. Sometimes I put a little apple juice or apple sauce on it as well. My old guys love it!

[madelyn]

... If he doesnt eat his hay, what can he eat that will help him?
Karen

Soaked beet pulp. Also soaked alfalfa cubes. Both are loaded with fiber. You can do hot mash oats and barley like we have at the racetrack.

It's very scarce since it is a bit of a contradiction in terms but if you can find second cut timothy, the pieces are SO SHORT he should be able to handle that.

[Lisann]

Some of that chopped alfalfa they sell in bags (loose, not pellets or cubes) would be pretty easy on him, too.

An Arab mare I owned had a similiar tooth fracture, except hers split and half went sideways toward her tongue. Vet pulled it. I don't recall her being off her feed for long at all - hope your guy heals as rapidly!