Bleeding Gums and Lips of Horses

Bleeding gums or lips commonly mean dental issues in horses. If left untreated, it can lead to severe infection of the gums, mouth or sinuses. There are common reasons for a horse to develop a bleeding mouth.

  1. Wave Mouth

    • This condition is the result of uneven wear of the horse's teeth. In severe cases that have gone untreated or unnoticed, ulcers or infection will occur.

    Cuts and Lacerations

    • Horses commonly injure lips and face during play, or injury can occur from improperly sized bits used for their mouth gear. Cuts or small punctures may also occur if the horse is bored and, as a result, chews on fences or the wood in its stall.

    Stomatitis

    • The mouth becomes inflamed from a variety of possible causes. Certain types of grasses, if chewed and ingested, such as porcupine grass, spear grass or eating grass that has furry caterpillars living on it, can present problems. The sharp edges, hairs or burrs wedge between the teeth and gums, cutting and eventually infecting them.