Question
I have a 19-year-old Missouri Fox Trotter gelding that needs to gain weight. I scheduled a dental appointment, hoping to find that a dental problem might be the source of his gradual weight loss. While his teeth needed some maintenance, the dentist found nothing that would interfere with his chewing ability. She did indicate that the horse is developing EOTHR but doesn’t believe the horse is experiencing pain from it. I have two questions: (1) is there anything nutritionally I can do to stop or at least deter the progression of EOTHR, and (2) why do you think my horse is losing weight? He has access to decent pasture with fair coverage, fresh water, and a salt block.
Answer
A disease of aged horses, equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH) affects primarily the incisor and canine teeth. The condition is characterized by bulbous or irregular-shaped teeth and overproduction of cementum, a calcified dental tissue. A receding gumline is frequently observed, possibly coinciding with incisors shifting slightly out of position. Some horses with advanced EOTRH have significant pain because of fractured teeth or periodontal disease. Common radiographic findings include root abnormalities, bone loss, and widened periodontal spaces.
As far as a nutritional solution to halt the progression of or reverse EOTRH, I am not aware of one. Continual monitoring of the disease through regular dental examinations is the best way to keep your horse comfortable. Seek advice from your dentist regarding the frequency of appointments.
Because the source of your gelding’s weight loss is not believed to be his teeth, dietary changes may be necessary to improve his body condition and to satisfy basic nutrient requirements.
Aside from pasture and salt, you didn’t mention any other dietary components. The pasture can no longer be reliably used as a forage source because it is not maintaining his weight. Therefore, it is necessary to provide good-quality hay or a suitable forage alternative (hay cubes or pellets) at a rate of at least 1.5% of body weight per day. In addition to forage, providing calories in the form of a well-fortified concentrate may be necessary. Feeding a suitable concentrate at the manufacturer’s recommended rate will also ensure that the horse’s vitamin and mineral requirements are met. These requirements cannot be met on forage-only diets.
A well-balanced diet fosters strong immunity, but supplemental support for the immune system may be warranted in special cases. The antioxidant vitamin E is known to modulate immune function, so supplemental vitamin E may be appropriate for your gelding. I suggest a natural source of vitamin E, such as Nano-E. Studies conducted at Kentucky Equine Research indicate that Nano-E, which features a delivery system known as nanodispersion, is the most rapidly absorbable form of vitamin E when compared to synthetic and other natural sources.
