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  Discussion on Lesson Learned about Teeth
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Posted on Wednesday, May 30, 2001 - 6:35 pm:

Even if you get your horse's teeth floated on a regular basis, he may still develop significant problems with his teeth. While finger checks and pulling the tongue aside to rasp off sharp edges on teeth is a good thing, this type of floating doesn't always get to the teeth in the way, way back of the jaw.

My horse demonstrated what I now know to be classic tooth problem behaviors under saddle for the 2 years I've owned him--head tossing, tongue hanging, stiffness in the neck, etc (all which weren't bad in the beginning but got progressively worse). I had every part of him examined, including the teeth, tried different bits, training methods etc.

Unfortunately the first two vets that examined him on seperate occassions did not use a specula and flashlight to get a good view of the back molars and missed a VERY bad ramping of both lower molars at the back of the jaw. My poor horse basically had two very sharp bottom teeth digging into his upper palate, causing him great pain.

Teeth fixed, I now have a relaxed, forward moving horse who likes his work again.


Every year be sure that you:
1. Have a vet (and only a vet) do a COMPLETE exam and make recommendations. Better yet find a vet that specializes in teeth. I found mine at the University of GA.
2. Be sure that the back molars are checked!! This may require a specula and sedation but it is well worth it. You may have to specify that you want a specula used for the exam when you call the vet for the appointment.


Get a good look at ALL your horses teeth at least once a year.

Posted on Thursday, May 31, 2001 - 12:52 am:

EXCELLENT advice. Sadly, many vets and even vet schools are not up to speed on the latest techniques in advanced equine dentistry. I too am lucky that I have access to a DVM who specializes in dentistry. It costs a bit more, but it is MORE than worth it. Knowing what I know now, I would NEVER trust my horse's mouth to anyone without this special knowledge.

Posted on Thursday, May 31, 2001 - 12:12 pm:

I agree. I take my horse to a specialist vet each year and have her sedated in a crush so that her teeth can be floated properly. In my view it is more than worth the cost and hassle. However neither I nor quite a few other customers of this vet will allow the junior vets/students near our horse's teeth - we all feel "I know they have to learn, but not on mine and not at that price!"

Imogen
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