Evaluation of the effects of performance dentistry on equine rideability: a randomized, blinded, controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: This study attempted to determine: (1) if degree of dental malocclusion assigned prior to dental treatment was associated with equine rideability, assessed using a standardized score and (2) if performance dentistry improved this score. Animals: Thirty-eight Franches-Montagnes stallions. Methods: All horses were examined and assigned a dental malocclusion score by a veterinary dentist and randomized into two groups: sham treatment (Group S) and performance dentistry including occlusal equilibration (Group D). The horses were ridden twice before and three times after treatment by a professional dressage rider (unaware of treatment allocation). The horses were assigned a rideability score using a 27-point scale. The malocclusion score was compared to the average of the first two rideability scores using Spearman's coefficient of rank. Change in rideability scores over time was assessed by repeated measures ANOVA. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: There was no correlation between dental score and rideability score prior to treatment (r s = 0.06, P = 0.73). In addition, there were no differences in the rideability score between treatment groups or as an interaction of treatment group and time (P = 0.93, P = 0.83, respectively). Conclusions: In conclusion, we were unable to show that performance dentistry improved equine rideability assessed by rider scoring. The addition of more objective measurement tools and a longer assessment period may help to scientifically prove what is anecdotally believed.

Characteristics of the Donkey’s Dorsal Profile in Relation to Its Functional Body Condition Assessment

“…The internal temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, mucous membranes, capillary refill time, and lymph nodes were evaluated following international veterinary standards [ 23 ]. A detailed examination of the musculoskeletal system was performed following the guidelines for the lameness evaluation of an athletic horse [ 24 ], whereas the mouth examination was performed following the guidelines for a detailed dental examination [ 25 ]. Only donkeys showing no clinical signs of any disorders expecting dental disorders were included in the research.…”

The Pattern of Superficial Body Temperatures in Leisure Horses Lunged with Commonly Used Lunging Aids

“…All horses were in daily leisure use, considered as recreational riding 1 to 2 h a day, five days a week, also including lunging with FMH and LAs. The thermal imaging was performed following the international veterinary standards [18], and the health status and the mouth condition were inspected before the experiment [19]. Horses were clinically healthy, with no dental disorders or any signs of ulceration in mouth examination, and demonstrated a comparable condition and athletic ability.…”

Behavioral Signs Associated With Equine Cheek Tooth Findings

“…Using a bit also induced pain in horses with periapical cheek tooth infection, as the number of such behavioral patterns decreased after the infected tooth had been removed [9] . On the other hand, Moine et al (2017) could not demonstrate any influence of performance dentistry on equine rideability assessed by rider scoring [18] . Moreover, Cook and Kibler (2019) demonstrated that riding a horse without the bit reduced the number of various behavioral patterns, suggesting that a bit may cause discomfort or pain [19] .…”