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  Discussion on Floating for 26 yr TB?
Author Message
Member:
annes

Posted on Friday, May 20, 2011 - 12:00 pm:

I am hesitant to put my 26 yr old gelding under sedation for floating. My cat/dog vets always warn me about the dangers of sedating older animals and I am just wondering if the same holds true for our equine friends. He eats soft hay, senior feed and grass without a problem. His weight is a little on the low side but he has always been a hard keeper. I've had him for 17 years without any dental issues and he was floated once years ago with minimal work needed. I still ride him occasionally and he doesn't exhibit any discomfort with the bit. Should I leave well enough alone because of his age?
Member:
lsweeney

Posted on Friday, May 20, 2011 - 1:10 pm:

I think I would have a vet look at the teeth and see if they needed to be floated. They may not. Also, you can look for gummed balls of feed which is a sign that the horse isn't chewing effective.

I worry about sedating any animal. I just had a Friesian done (who had kidney failure in the past), and we tried to do it without sedation, and got one side done, but she would not tolerate the other side. He checked her bloodwork, and then gave her a pony's dose which was just enough to get the job done, and she came out of it fine.

You might also consider some senior feed to keep the weight on.
Member:
mrose

Posted on Friday, May 20, 2011 - 1:42 pm:

I agree with sedation for older animals, humans included; however, I think this is in regard to deep sedation, like for surgery. Only a very light sedation is normally used. Havae you discussed it with your vet? Older horses can get not only the sharp points,which can injure soft tissue like cheeks and tongue, but also they are prone to cracks, infection and gum desease. Getting him checked like Laurie suggested is a good idea. And, discuss your concerns with the vet as there are different meds, combos and doses that can be used.
Member:
annes

Posted on Friday, May 20, 2011 - 2:17 pm:

I haven't seen any uneaten balls of feed or hay and he has been on senior feed for years. I forgot to say he has no teeth in the front - it is down to gums so he does an excellent job of eating considering that. (he used to be a cribber when he was younger) It was light sedation the last time but I remember the vet stayed around about 20 min or so to make sure he came out of it ok. That made me think it would be more serious this time because of his age. Vaccinations are due next month so I will wait and ask the vet if he can just look and see before we schedule a special appointment for floating. I know I worry much more about my old guy than the younger ones. Thanks!
Member:
mrose

Posted on Friday, May 20, 2011 - 3:11 pm:

You might add either rice bran or corn oil to his feed to help with weight. Also, read the articles on feeding senior horses. I have several older horses still, although I lost my oldest last year. As long as they are able to digest their food and keep weight on they seem to do fine. If they loose, it seems more difficult to put the weight back on. It sounds like you keep up on his shots etc. and he gets good care. You might want to talk to the vet about worming him more often. A lot of times older horses do better with more frequent worming. Depends on where you live, other horses nearby, etc.
Member:
annes

Posted on Friday, May 20, 2011 - 3:38 pm:

Thanks for the tip on worming - I will ask the vet if he needs anything different or more often. He is prone to choke so I put water over his senior feed. He is very healthy and no signs of any arthritis or stiffness. He still acts like a 10 year old and is on the top of the pecking order for sure. I think the only thing that gives his age is his topline that is thinner and with his high withers, I've had to change to another saddle pad.
Member:
lara

Posted on Friday, May 20, 2011 - 10:31 pm:

There are equine dentist who can do it without sedation...my friend has all three of her horses done yearly, no sedation needed. She used to use a vet~ who always sedated them, then found the guy she uses now. Maybe consider asking around your area for a non sedating dentist. :-)
Member:
lilo

Posted on Saturday, May 21, 2011 - 9:46 am:

Hi Ann,

My mare (25 years old) just had her teeth done a few weeks ago. I worried also. She was quite unsteady in the hind end after the sedation took hold - I was afraid she might go down but she managed to stay up.

Her teeth really needed the work! The vet showed me the ulceration on her cheeks, poor girl. Afterward, the vet told me to withhold all food until she was really wide awake. After about three hours she was acting normally and clamoring for dinner and all was fine.

I am in Colorado and I do know that there is a "traveling" equine dentist who works without sedation and a lot of my friends prefer that.

Good luck with your your decision,
Lilo
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Saturday, May 21, 2011 - 11:03 am:

Hello Ann,
Without looking at the horses cheek teeth it is hard to answer your question. Did the veterinarian who did the exam describe the abnormalities that he found and what he can correct by floating?

As to sedation, if the horse is found to be healthy on a physical exam, sedation should not be a problem.
DrO
Member:
rtrotter

Posted on Saturday, May 21, 2011 - 11:52 am:

Hello Ann,

I have had horses for 35+ years and I never have sedated a horse to get work done. That includes having teeth pulled(wolf teeth) and other dental work.

Perhaps, it the technique used that requires sedation(i.e.power tools are being used etc). I feel power tools need to be introduced just like everything else,gradually and if a horse is not accustomed to them is the reason why sedation is used, plus the vet wants to get in and out as quickly as possible,and not get hurt. But I also think sedation is used to add $$$ to your vet bill. A properly trained Equine Dentist using no sedation would take the worry out of the procedure. I can not believe a 26 year old horse would put up much of a fight anyway, after a few swipes of the float, he'd realize his mouth isn't causing him a problem anymore.

If however, there are major serious problems that a normal floating would not take care of, then by all means I'd go the vet route.

You might want to check with your state to see their regulations on Equine Dentist and see if there are any in your area that would be recommended.

Rachelle
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