12/ APRIL 2019 THE RIDER


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Is the TMJ Inflamed?


pressed two fingers to the horse’s head to test for inflammation of the TMJ.


especially bit, bridle, and saddle. Arthritis and osteoporosis are also concerns regarding the TMJ. Horses that ride one side of the bit or ‘lug in’ are of great concern for inflamed temporomandibular joints. Talk to your vet on whether the bit placement is the cause or a symptom of the inflammation. If your horse is grinding his teeth, chewing his food on one side or is slightly off his feed, shaking his head or demonstrating shyness, he could very well be telling you that there’s inflam- mation. Correcting the issues (whether dental or


Chiropractor and Acupuncturist, lasting ef- fects of an inflamed TMJ can result in os- teoarthritis, difficulty chewing, neck pain and lameness. “Regular floating of the teeth, especially when they’re in their growth years, and checking the alignment of the TMJ after the teeth have been floated, is a way to avoid inflammation.”


proper tack fitting) is the first priority. Anti- inflammatories, rest, massage, or a skilled chiropractor may also be significant. Speaking with Barbra Sloat, Animal


mandibular joints, are two joints that connect the jawbone to the skull. They are responsible for allowing mammals to open and close their mouths, move them up and down and side to side. You need to be concerned about the TMJ if your horse has had dental issues, trauma, and long term, ill-fitting tack,


sulted pain. The TMJ, or the temporo-


Fly’s legs buckled with the re-


Fly continued to worsen. On a whim, the veterinarian


ence while training and being ridden. The horse was off her feed slightly and stopped taking the bridle well. The vet was called. Meanwhile,


when Fly got sick. Her trainer noticed the differ-


sick you do the only reasonable thing you can do. You call the vet. That’s exactly what happened


By E.L. Schoeman When you know your horse is


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