How do I know if my horse needs his teeth floated?
Every horse should have an annual sedated oral exam with a full mouth speculum and a bright light source. This is the best way to identify problems in your horses mouth. Signs of severe dental problems are quidding, dropping feed, tilting the head to the side while eating, and weight loss. Oftentimes horses will not show any obvious signs until the problems are severe. The majority of dental problems are found in horses with no complaints that are just being seen for a routine exam.
How often should my horse have a dental exam?
Ideally, horses less than 5 years old should be examined every six to eight months because they are actively loosing baby teeth and erupting adult teeth. Once all permanent teeth are in wear, once a year is usually adequate. Some horses with dental disease may need care more than once a year.
Why does my horse need his teeth floated?
Horses have a different type of teeth than we do. Their teeth grow and erupt throughout the majority of their lives. As they chew they wear certain parts of their teeth and not others, creating sharp points. These sharp points are filed (or floated) off to help them eat and perform comfortably.
Why should I call you instead of my primary care vet for my horses dental care?
A dental focused veterinarian is best able to find problems early and prevent them from becoming more serious. Mastery of equine dentistry requires in-depth knowledge, specific equipment, and skilled technique. My skill-set and equipment allow me to make the proper diagnosis and perform the required corrections.
What should I expect when you come to work on my horse?
The appointment will take 30-45 minutes per horse. Every horse will receive a brief physical exam to ensure they are healthy enough for sedation. The dental exam will consist of 1) extraoral exam of the head (on the outside), 2) evaluation of occlusion (how the teeth meet and work), 3) evaluation of the periodontal tissues (tissues around the teeth), 4) evaluation of the endodontic structures (the teeth themselves), and 5), evaluation of oral soft tissues (structures around the teeth). After the exam is performed, I will discuss with you the findings and what the plan is for your horses mouth. You are welcome to look in and feel inside your horses mouth if you would like. After I have completed my traditional oral exam, we will put the oral endoscope in your horses mouth so you can have a tour inside your horses mouth without having to try to peer over my shoulder. The floating usually takes 10-20 minutes per horse depending on how much work there is to do. The total length of sedation is 45-60 minutes and most horses are able to walk to their stalls after their dental procedure. After we are done each horse will have a dental chart filled out with exam findings and adjustments recorded. I have a digital x-ray machine with me at all times and can take radiographs if necessary during the appointment.
Do you work on miniature horses?
Yes. I have a miniature horse sized dental speculum and special tools that fit inside a tiny miniature mouth. I have years of experience doing miniature horse dentistry and truly enjoy working with the minis.
Every horse should have an annual sedated oral exam with a full mouth speculum and a bright light source. This is the best way to identify problems in your horses mouth. Signs of severe dental problems are quidding, dropping feed, tilting the head to the side while eating, and weight loss. Oftentimes horses will not show any obvious signs until the problems are severe. The majority of dental problems are found in horses with no complaints that are just being seen for a routine exam.
How often should my horse have a dental exam?
Ideally, horses less than 5 years old should be examined every six to eight months because they are actively loosing baby teeth and erupting adult teeth. Once all permanent teeth are in wear, once a year is usually adequate. Some horses with dental disease may need care more than once a year.
Why does my horse need his teeth floated?
Horses have a different type of teeth than we do. Their teeth grow and erupt throughout the majority of their lives. As they chew they wear certain parts of their teeth and not others, creating sharp points. These sharp points are filed (or floated) off to help them eat and perform comfortably.
Why should I call you instead of my primary care vet for my horses dental care?
A dental focused veterinarian is best able to find problems early and prevent them from becoming more serious. Mastery of equine dentistry requires in-depth knowledge, specific equipment, and skilled technique. My skill-set and equipment allow me to make the proper diagnosis and perform the required corrections.
What should I expect when you come to work on my horse?
The appointment will take 30-45 minutes per horse. Every horse will receive a brief physical exam to ensure they are healthy enough for sedation. The dental exam will consist of 1) extraoral exam of the head (on the outside), 2) evaluation of occlusion (how the teeth meet and work), 3) evaluation of the periodontal tissues (tissues around the teeth), 4) evaluation of the endodontic structures (the teeth themselves), and 5), evaluation of oral soft tissues (structures around the teeth). After the exam is performed, I will discuss with you the findings and what the plan is for your horses mouth. You are welcome to look in and feel inside your horses mouth if you would like. After I have completed my traditional oral exam, we will put the oral endoscope in your horses mouth so you can have a tour inside your horses mouth without having to try to peer over my shoulder. The floating usually takes 10-20 minutes per horse depending on how much work there is to do. The total length of sedation is 45-60 minutes and most horses are able to walk to their stalls after their dental procedure. After we are done each horse will have a dental chart filled out with exam findings and adjustments recorded. I have a digital x-ray machine with me at all times and can take radiographs if necessary during the appointment.
Do you work on miniature horses?
Yes. I have a miniature horse sized dental speculum and special tools that fit inside a tiny miniature mouth. I have years of experience doing miniature horse dentistry and truly enjoy working with the minis.