I started a new horse recently and have noticed she clenches her jaw on one side. You can see the ripples of her muscles on one side while the other is relaxed completely. I have never seen this personally. Im getting her an appointment with my equine dentist to make sure it isnt a tooth or other issue. I hear she has done this with past owner and they assumed it was a nervous habit. Anyone have any experiences with this?
Posted 2017-10-30 11:03 AM Subject: RE: Jaw clenching
Expert
Posts: 5293
I had ONE horse that was such a hard worker that he would do that when there was pain rather than show it to me!!!!! I mean for example, he got an abcess once and was pretty 3 legged lame when I watched him out the window. When I went and caught him SOUND. To him limping means he wouldnt get to go run and perform, so he wouldnt limp in front of me. Vet came with hoof testers than thats what he did, grit his teeth when we hit the right spot. Most horses would have pulled back vet said... And he gritted his teeth the whole time we dug it out to.
Posted 2017-10-30 11:08 AM Subject: RE: Jaw clenching
Elite Veteran
Posts: 889
After he's seen by the dentist, I would have a chiro look at him. It could be a TMJ/jaw/poll issue. If all of that is clear, could just be a habit of his OR he could be sore somewhere else and it's showing up there.
Posted 2017-10-30 11:22 AM Subject: RE: Jaw clenching
Expert
Posts: 2128
FLITASTIC - 2017-10-30 11:03 AM I had ONE horse that was such a hard worker that he would do that when there was pain rather than show it to me!!!!! I mean for example, he got an abcess once and was pretty 3 legged lame when I watched him out the window. When I went and caught him SOUND. To him limping means he wouldnt get to go run and perform, so he wouldnt limp in front of me. Vet came with hoof testers than thats what he did, grit his teeth when we hit the right spot. Most horses would have pulled back vet said... And he gritted his teeth the whole time we dug it out to.
Posted 2017-10-30 11:29 AM Subject: RE: Jaw clenching
Expert
Posts: 1281 Location: Oologah OK
This is exactly my thoughts as well! I personally have TMJ and it honestly besides causing headaches pulls my neck & shoulders out of place. I usually like to have my chiro at the same time as my dentist or shortly after to make sure the jaw & TMJ muscles are in line!
Jaw clenching
