Summary about Disease
Quidding in horses refers to the behavior of dropping partially chewed food (usually hay or long-stem forage) from the mouth. It's a sign that the horse is unable to properly chew and swallow its food, leading to inefficient digestion and potential weight loss. Quidding is not a disease itself but rather a symptom of an underlying problem affecting the horse's oral health or ability to process food.
Symptoms
Dropping balls of partially chewed food (quids) from the mouth, especially after eating hay or long forage.
Difficulty chewing.
Excessive salivation.
Weight loss despite adequate feed intake.
Nasal discharge (sometimes if dental problems are severe and affect the sinuses).
Swelling of the face or jaw (if an abscess is present).
Foul odor from the mouth (if infection is present).
Reluctance to eat hard feeds.
Causes
Dental Problems: This is the most common cause. Issues include:
Sharp enamel points that cause lacerations.
Misalignment of teeth (malocclusion).
Missing teeth.
Fractured teeth.
Infected teeth or gums (periodontal disease).
Tooth root abscesses.
Esophageal Obstruction (Choke): While not directly quidding, a partial obstruction can lead to food being regurgitated.
Neurological Problems: Rare cases where nerve damage affects chewing muscles.
Tumors: Extremely rare, but tumors in the mouth or affecting chewing muscles can interfere with chewing.
Mouth Injuries: Ulcers or other lesions in the oral cavity due to sharp objects.
Medicine Used
The specific medications used depend entirely on the underlying cause of the quidding. Treatment may include:
Antibiotics: For bacterial infections in the mouth or tooth root abscesses (e.g., penicillin, trimethoprim sulfa).
Anti-inflammatory drugs: To reduce swelling and pain (e.g., phenylbutazone, flunixin meglumine).
Pain medication: To manage pain (e.g., meloxicam).
Dental Procedures:
Tooth floating (filing down sharp enamel points).
Tooth extraction.
Periodontal treatment (cleaning and treating gum disease).
Nutritional Support: Special feed formulations (e.g., mashes, senior feeds) that are easier to chew and swallow to maintain weight.
Is Communicable
Quidding itself is NOT communicable because it is a symptom of an underlying problem, not a disease. The underlying *cause* could potentially be communicable (e.g., a bacterial infection causing dental disease, although this is rare). However, quidding itself cannot be spread from one horse to another.
Precautions
Regular Dental Exams: Annual or bi-annual dental exams by a qualified equine veterinarian or equine dentist are crucial for early detection and prevention of dental problems.
Proper Diet: Providing appropriate forage and feedstuffs that are suitable for the horse's age and dental condition.
Observe Eating Habits: Monitor your horse's eating behavior closely. Early detection of subtle changes in chewing or appetite can help identify problems before they become severe.
Address Underlying Medical Conditions: Promptly address any other medical issues that may contribute to quidding.
How long does an outbreak last?
There is no "outbreak" of quidding, as it is not contagious. The duration of the symptom (quidding) depends entirely on the underlying cause and how quickly and effectively it is treated. If the underlying problem (e.g., a sharp tooth) is resolved quickly, the quidding may stop immediately. If the problem is chronic or requires extensive treatment (e.g., a severe tooth root abscess), the quidding may persist for weeks or months.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a thorough examination by a veterinarian, including:
History: Gathering information about the horse's age, diet, recent changes in behavior, and any previous dental issues.
Physical Examination: Assessing the horse's overall health, paying attention to body condition, facial symmetry, and any signs of pain or swelling.
Oral Examination: A comprehensive examination of the mouth using a bright light and possibly sedation. The veterinarian will look for:
Sharp enamel points.
Missing, loose, or fractured teeth.
Signs of infection or inflammation.
Abnormal growths.
Dental Radiographs (X-rays): These are often necessary to evaluate the tooth roots and underlying bone structure, particularly for suspected abscesses or other hidden problems.
Endoscopy: In rare cases, an endoscope may be used to examine the esophagus.
Bloodwork: May be taken to assess for signs of infection.
Timeline of Symptoms
The onset and progression of quidding symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause:
Gradual Onset: In cases of slowly developing dental problems (e.g., sharp enamel points), quidding may start subtly and gradually worsen over weeks or months. The horse may initially just drop a small amount of food occasionally, and the problem may become more pronounced as the dental issue worsens.
Sudden Onset: In cases of acute problems (e.g., a fractured tooth or esophageal obstruction), quidding may appear suddenly.
Fluctuating Symptoms: The severity of quidding may fluctuate depending on the horse's diet and activity level. For example, quidding may be more pronounced when the horse is eating hay or long forage compared to when it's eating a softer feed.
Important Considerations
Weight Management: Monitor your horse's weight closely and adjust the diet as needed to maintain a healthy body condition. Soaked hay or complete feeds are useful options.
Choke Risk: Quidding increases the risk of choke (esophageal obstruction) because the horse is not properly chewing its food.
Early Intervention: Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications such as weight loss, malnutrition, and secondary infections.
Long-Term Management: Some dental problems may require ongoing management, such as regular dental floating or special diets.
Quality of Life: Severe and untreatable quidding can significantly impact a horse's quality of life. In some cases, euthanasia may be a humane consideration if the horse is unable to maintain a healthy weight and is experiencing chronic pain.