Semi-extensive management system drives lower prevalence of equine orodental disorders

The prevalence of orodental disorders in horses kept under different management systems is lacking. More detailed knowledge is needed to support targeted therapeutic and prophylactic approaches, as these conditions play a crucial role in maintaining equine health and welfare. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of orodental disorders in horses raised, kept, and fed under extensive, semi-extensive, or intensive management systems.

Sixty-nine clinically healthy adult crossbred horses with no history of dental treatment were examined, with 23 horses included in each study group previously maintained under three different management systems. All horses underwent a clinical evaluation, and an orodental examination was performed under standing sedation.

Incisors (p = 0.013), premolar and molar diastemata (p < 0.001), as well as irregular incisors (p = 0.001), occurred more frequently in horses kept under extensive systems. Horses in the intensive system showed a higher prevalence of oral mucosal ulcers (p = 0.001) and excessive transverse ridges in premolars and molars (p = 0.016). Only dorsal curvature malocclusion was more common in horses managed under semi-extensive systems (p = 0.018). No differences were observed in the overall number of orodental alterations among the systems.

We concluded that management systems are associated with the frequency and severity of dental abnormalities, with the semi-extensive system showing a lower incidence and severity than the others.