Bit-Induced Bone Spur Research Continues

Bit-induced bone spurs on the bars of the mouth are extremely common.  Continuing his survey of horse skulls in Natural History Museums, Dr. Cook spent a couple of days this month in the basement of the American Museum of Natural History in New York.  He examined 37 skulls, from 30 horses and 7 mules, two years old or older.  A total of 74 bars were surveyed and bone spurs were present in 62 (84%). 

 A preliminary count indicates that the incidence of bit-induced erosion of the occlusal surface of the first cheek tooth in the lower jaw in the same population approached 40%.  This erosion is the result of a horse defending himself from the bit in another way, i.e. by gripping it between his teeth.