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  Discussion on Equine Dental Checkups
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Member:
martina

Posted on Thursday, Mar 29, 2007 - 7:03 pm:

I admit -- I am no expert on the topic on equine dentistry. But I wonder if I'm being taken advantage of because of my ignorance? How often should the equine dentist come to care for a horse's teeth, providing that there is no emergency or extenuating circumstances? I used to think it was 1X/year... but perhaps I'm wrong? My equine dentist has come every 6 months for the past 2 years. This time, when I suggested a one year interval before our next visit, he said that was too long! Yet he tells me the horses' teeth are in "good shape." I'd love to hear others' experiences!
Member:
mrose

Posted on Thursday, Mar 29, 2007 - 7:31 pm:

I just have teeth checked once a year. I guess Dr. O. can tell us what is recommended. Every 6 mos. is, of course, what is recommended for humans. I didn't know horses were supposed to be looked at that often.
Member:
leilani

Posted on Thursday, Mar 29, 2007 - 7:38 pm:

Tina,

How old is your horse? I have used both an equine dentist and my vet, one does the float, the other sedates. My vet does basic floating and will defer to the equine dentist for other needs.

I was told that young horses may need to have their teeth looked at 2x a year because their mouths are changing.

Dr. O?
Member:
ajudson1

Posted on Thursday, Mar 29, 2007 - 7:42 pm:

Tina,

We just had a discussion going on this a few weeks ago I think. Maybe someone remembers the subject line.

I don't think most horses need their teeth done every 6 months, but, some might. If I were you, I'd be brave and feel the teeth yourself (while your horse is sedated and the spectulum is in his mouth of course) Unless you feel sharp edges, and get a feel for "before & after", I'd say you might be getting taken advantage of.


You can also do some checking yourself. Push on your horses checks, with and without the bit in his mouth. Pull the bit from side to side. See if you see any sores inside his cheeks. Be careful of course! It's a matter of knowing what's normal, and what might be a problem. If he reacts like he's in pain, have the dentist out.

Just for your info, I have friend who went to Equine Dental School. She got hurt (horse related but not while doing teeth) so she decided not to continue on as a dentist. But in her words "______(the guy who taught at the school and comes up here) will bug you to see your horses every 6 months. It's how he makes a living." And he does just that, sends out cards every 6 months with the note that he won't send anymore if he don't see my horses this time or something to that affect.

He does do a good job and I do know that in my case, he only does something that needs doing. Because I am right there, hands in the horses mouth, asking questions.

I have a vet lined up to do the teeth this spring, not the equine dentist expert. So I'll have a new experience myself.
Member:
freshman

Posted on Friday, Mar 30, 2007 - 12:32 am:

Most horses only need to be floated once per year, at most. Horses that have special problems may need to be done every six months.

It is a touchy subject because there are folks that make their living floating teeth, and will recommend your horse, or any horse, be serviced every six months. I don't buy it. A lot of these folks are great at what they do, but lead you to believe that you need them more often than you do, or even make up problems with horses teeth so that the owner will call them back out more frequently. They may also try to do more than they are qualified for, instead of recommending veterinary attention, etc.

Only a veterinarian will do my dental work, and I like to use my regular vet for this service. I don't like to be put into the position of having her clean up after other people's messes should I use Joe Blow, Equine Dental Specialist or whoever. Because Joe Blow will be nowhere around when it turns out that the horse was burned by the power equipment, is excessively sore after the work, etc.

The only exception I can think of is in the case where the veterinarian works with the dental tech on a regular basis, is present to sedate the horse, and deal with any reactions. There are vets who do not like to do teeth, so this can work. But in most cases, why not just have the vet do the teeth?

Vet students are exposed to much more equine dental work than ever before. They also carry malpractice insurance and are held to a higher standard of care than a layperson. Dental work is a part of routine horse health care, and I think that it should be practiced by veterinarians that operate in this capacity.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Friday, Mar 30, 2007 - 7:00 am:

Hello Tina,
We discuss this very topic in the article Horse Care » Routine Horse Care » Equine Dentistry. Also you will find quite involved discussions on this topic under the article.
DrO
Member:
martina

Posted on Friday, Mar 30, 2007 - 7:40 am:

Thanks everyone! My horses and mini donkeys range in age from 6 to 11. Both a vet (for sedation of the donkeys) and the dentist are present when their teeth are done. Dr. O, thank you, I will look at that article you referenced for additional guidance...
Member:
ajudson1

Posted on Friday, Mar 30, 2007 - 9:13 am:

Kristin:

Your advice is why I am trying a vet this spring for teeth floating. The Equine Dentist and his assistant were sedating, which they were not qualified to do. I trusted the assistant though and felt comfortable with them doing it. Not sure if it's illegal or just the vets want it to be illegal but we did that for the last few years. I did not know of a vet who did teeth well. The dentist and his assistant no longer work together.

The vet I am having in May, does use the power tools, and sedates and is very experienced with doing this. I've heard good reports from others. I like that fact that she will only come if called, not bug me (the other guy would be sending me emails, and will probably call also because he hasn't heard from me yet..bug, bug, bug) And like you said, if there are problems she is a vet and I don't need to make another call and deal with problems later.

Good points!
Member:
janieb

Posted on Thursday, Jul 5, 2007 - 5:55 pm:

My seven year old draft mule has a pretty significant underbite. He is by no means underweight and does not DrOp grain from his mouth when eating his rare treat of steam rolled oats. My trainer, when fitting him for a new bit, noticed that there are some minor rub marks behind his lower teeth where the upper teeth must touch. Do I need to be concerned?
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Friday, Jul 6, 2007 - 5:12 pm:

Hello Jane Besel,
If rub marks are starting to develop it is time to file back the offending arcade to prevent difficult chewing.
DrO
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