FAQ
Q: What are signs that my horse needs dental care?
A: There are many symptoms of dental disease including dropping feed, holding the head up or to the side when chewing, malodorous breath, quidding (dropping wads of unchewed hay), weight loss, diarrhea, resistance to the bridle/contact and slow eating. Most horses however will not display any symptoms of dental disease until the condition is severe. They are very adept at compensating for dental disease and pain. The only way to know for sure if your horse needs dental care is to have him or her examined regularly by a veterinarian.
Q: Why do horses need their teeth floated? What do wild horses do?
A: Horses teeth differ from that of humans, dogs, cats and most other domestic animals. Their teeth are classified as hypsodont teeth. This means that their continually erupt throughout their lives as opposed to our teeth which erupt when we are young and then remain in that position. As they age they erupt new dental tissue and wear off old dental tissue. This process often creates focal overgrowths that when left untreated can result in trauma to the soft tissues of the mouth, difficulty or inability to chew their feed, shifting of the teeth and/or gum disease. Reduction of these over growths and maintaining proper balance of the teeth is referred to as floating, molar equilibration or odontoplasty.
Early and regular dental care will improve health, longevity, comfort during performance, feed efficiency and quality of life for your horse. It is recommended that all horses have regular oral exams by a veterinarian starting at birth and then regularly there after.
While it is true wild horses do not get their teeth floated they live and eat in a much different environment than our domestic horses and often are suffering with untreated dental disease. They are not asked to perform and have a much shorter life span than our domestic horses which are now commonly living into their 30’s and 40’s. This is impart due to improvements in dental care and nutrition.
Q: What should I expect during your visit?
A: Each patient will first receive a physical examination. An external oral exam will be performed prior to sedation to evaluate for jaw mobility (excursion), any asymmetry in the skull and/or muscles of mastication (chewing muscles), evaluation of the TMJ, and the jaws. After sedation a full mouth speculum will be placed, and an oral exam performed. The oral exam will evaluate the soft tissues of the mouth (lips, tongue, cheeks), the teeth (size, shape, orientation, integrity/health and occlusion) and the periodontal tissues (gum health). This exam is facilitated by the use of an oral camera (endoscope) which will allow you to visualize and participate in this process. Following the exam, molar equilibration (floating) will be performed if indicated and any additional recommendations will be discussed. After the visit you will be provided with a detailed electronic dental chart documenting the exam and findings.
Q: Will my horse need to be sedated?
A: A thorough and complete oral exam is the foundation of proper equine dental care. In order safely perform a complete oral exam sedation is required. All patients will receive a physical exam prior to sedation to ensure sedation can be safely performed. I use the lowest effective dose of sedation necessary to allow a complete exam and any needed treatments.
Q: Do you treat miniature horses?
A: Yes! I can treat horses of all shapes, ages and sizes.
Q: What is your service area?
A: I travel to most areas of Central and Eastern North Carolina including the Raleigh-Durham area. Contact me for more information!