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  Discussion on Is this bleeding gum from riding or something else?
Author Message
Member:
tbhack

Posted on Sunday, Jun 14, 2009 - 1:47 am:

Riding my horse yesterday he evaded the bit terribly which is not normal for him. After 5mins, got off, checked is mouth for bit pinching or teeth, saw nothing. Continued with a light session of 30mins he got a bit better, then checked his mouth again...he was crazily scratching his nose on his leg with blood coming from his mouth. My question is... did the ride cause (note: my hands are light and he doesn't normally evade the bit) a gum infection? Teeth issue? Confusing bit is I just had his teeth done 4 weeks ago, he chews and eats OK. He's in a gentle bit - copper covered loose ring snaffle with link.

Question is - Do I get the horse dentist out or ride him again today and see how he is first?

Kate
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Jun 14, 2009 - 7:38 am:

How old is he? I have had a 3 yr. old with retained dental caps do that before, but you would think the dentist would have seen that.

IMO I wouldn't ride him for a few days or found the cause, unless you can ride him "bitless"
Member:
canter

Posted on Sunday, Jun 14, 2009 - 10:19 am:

I agree with Diane - until you find the cause of the bleeding, I wouldn't stick another bit in his mouth. Even if it wasn't the bit causing it, it still may aggravate whatever the problem is. Until someone can take a really close look in his mouth, you won't know for sure.
Member:
jjrichar

Posted on Sunday, Jun 14, 2009 - 11:04 am:

Did you identify the source of the blood? You say gums, but was it in the front, or back near the bit? Did you see any cuts?

I agree with Fran and Diane. Don't bit him until you have his mouth looked at or at least identify the source and cause.

Also it might be worth while to inspect your bit carefully for defects. A good way to do this by taking pantyhose pulled over your hand and run your fingers around the bit looking for a sharp spot that will snag the pantyhose. Also, sometimes if a snaffle is made improperly, they can pinch the tongue, cheeks, etc.
Member:
mrose

Posted on Sunday, Jun 14, 2009 - 11:19 am:

I concur with the others. If you can pin down where the blood is coming from, it will pretty much answer your question. If there was lots of blood, he could have nicked his tongue or cheek while chewing on the bit as well has getting pinched.

There is a type of broken snaffle that is raised in the middle with a "barrel" covering the snaffle joint. I like this bit because it gives a lot of tongue relief. Some horse's mouths just aren't suited to a plain broken snaffle. I also like D-rings or other type bits that protect the corners of the mouth.

Jennifer - great idea using the pantyhose!
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Jun 14, 2009 - 6:09 pm:

Hello Kate,
There is not any information in your post to help us diagnose the horse's problem. Have you tried a careful examination of the mouth to find the source of the blood. The trick to examine the deeper areas is proper lighting and a well behaved horse. This can be done without a light so that your hands stay free. Stand the horse just inside the doorway of a stall or a barn with the horse facing the sun. You stand facing the horse and darker area behind the horse. Open the mouth by reaching in just in front of the commissure. A word of warning if your horse might strike out at you, you will be vulnerable standing in front of the horse.

If you are unable to find the cause and considering the way the horse behaved I would consider a veterinary exam if you have any more problems.
DrO
Member:
tbhack

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 16, 2009 - 6:03 am:

Thanks everyone. I'm going to get a different dentist out to have a good look. Will let you know if we find the cause - when I looked, I couldn't see the cause, but didn't use the sun or light trick. Thanks for that. And luv the pantyhose idea for checking the bit :-). kate
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