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The equine dentist (Todd Williams)who has cared for this horse since he 
was 5 (he's now 10) thinks the meniscus is malformed (as I remember from 
all those years ago when he did the diagnosis).  When the horse is 
sedated for dental work, he has opened and closed the mouth to determine 
the range of motion.  The horse is not in pain and he appears to chew 
normally.  Fortunately, he carries himself in balance and doesn't need 
much to be "collected."  However,I never ask for collection for very 
long to avoid putting any additional stress on the joint.  BTW, it is 
the left TMJ and he is much stiffer to the left than the right but there 
may be other causes for that in addition to the joint.  He is a Spanish 
Mustang.  Todd said Dino would probably die in his 30s and it wouldn't 
be from TMJ disease.
	Sarah, I'm hoping to do Steph's Owyhee High Country Pioneer this coming 
Labor Day on this horse.  If we make it, you can play with his TMJ then. 
 I'd love your input!
Laney

sarah metcalf wrote:
> What exactly is causing the "clunking"? Does the TMJ hurt? or is there a 
> functional problem with the way he chews , as a result of a TMJ problem?
>
> It would be interesting to know more about this............there is not 
> a lot written in standard textbooks on equine dentistry.
>
> Sarah
>
> PS. Hi Kim! Can you suggest any good information sources?
>
> I am definitely guilty of having NOT done an exhaustive search.
>
> Baker and Easley have a brief discussion of TMJ DJD p.129-130; Pat Pence 
> and Tom Allen make  brief references to the TMJ in their books; the TMJ 
> is not even listed in the index of VCNA 1993 :The Eqiune Head" or VCNA 
> 1998 "Equine Dentistry".
>
> It makes both logical and intuitive sense to me that malocclusions, 
> sharp points, and any other problems causing dysmastication due to pain 
> (eg. fractured cheek tooth), would be likely to lead to TMJ discomfort, 
> if not outright pain and pathology. For that reason among others, I want 
> my horse to have balanced teeth, a comfortable mouth and maximum range 
> of motion in all directions. (And I DON'T feel obligated to wait for a 
> double-blind controlled study to somehow prove that this is helpful to 
> horses.)
>
> However.....because people are aware of the existence of "TMJ disease" 
> in PEOPLE.........leading to symptoms that include headaches, they often 
> wonder if their HORSE might be experiencing "TMJ". I have to tell them 
> that I don't know. How can we tell? Did I miss that day in school? (That 
> was back in the Peistocene era of course.) I always palpate the TMJ's as 
> part of the pre-dentistry exam (and evaluate ranges of motion in three 
> planes), but this is primarily so that if I run across something unusual 
> I will recognize it.
>
> PPS. Hi Tom! Have cc'd this to you just FYE (for your 
> entertainment)....in case you are in need of entertainment. It is on my 
> list to give you a call, I want to hear all about your new trailer!!
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Laney Humphrey" <laneyhh@xxxxxxxxxxx>
> To: <EventXC@xxxxxxx>
> Cc: <ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>; <smetcalf@xxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Monday, June 27, 2005 8:04 PM
> Subject: Re: [RC] Equine TMJ
>
>
> > I have a horse whose TMJ "clunks" when he chews.  He's had superb 
> > dental care his entire life; should I do anything more to help that 
> > joint?
> > Laney
> >
> > Ridecamp Guest wrote:
> >
> > > Please Reply to: sarah metcalf dvm smetcalf@xxxxxxxxxx or 
> > > ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> > > ==========================================
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > > > > Second, don't forget to have someone who understands the anatomy 
> > > > > > check the lingual hyoid bone and temporo-mandibular joints as 
> > > > > > well.  The area of the TMJ is poorly understood in the vet world 
> > > > > > and is one of the most neurologically active areas in the body.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Kim Henneman, DVM, CVA, CVC
> > > Park City  UT  USA >>>>>>
> > >
> > > Dear Kim,
> > >
> > > What do you mean by neurologically active? I would like to understand 
> > > the equine TMJ better.
> > >
> > > Sincerely,
> > >
> > > Sarah Metcalf DVM
> > >
> > >
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