Our veterinarian near the Tri-State area offers dental services for horses.
When was the last time you had your horse’s teeth examined? A horse should receive a dental exam 1-2 times a year. Dental care is an important part of keeping a horse healthy and happy throughout their life. Tooth problems can lead to pain-related training and behavioral issues, infection, and make it difficult for hard-keepers and senior horses to gain and maintain weight.
Dental Exam in Horses
Your horse should have a thorough dental exam yearly to evaluate if your horse has any sharp enamel points, hooks, broken/cracked or missing teeth, abscesses, wolf teeth, periodontal disease, cheek/tongue ulcerations, or any abnormalities in their mouth that may cause discomfort or pain. To perform a thorough dental exam, it consist of a short acting sedation, full mouth speculum, and a light. We offer tradition hand floating and powerfloating for removing enamel points.
Signs of Dental Disease in Horses
When it comes to detecting potential oral health problems in horses, owners must be vigilant in noticing changes in behavior. This is because equines often do not act like they are in pain until the pain is severe.
If you notice any of the signs below, it is important that you contact us to schedule a dental Exam.
- Quidding (balling up hay and dropping it)
- Discomfort While Eating
- Dropping Feed
- Smelly Odor Coming From Their Mouth or Nostrils
- Issues With The Bit
- Weight Loss
- Reluctant To Eat
The Hazards of Untreated Dental Disease in Horses
Dental l disease should not be left untreated. Along with a thorough exam, advanced procedures include radiographs (x-rays) and endoscopy to diagnose any decayed or fractured teeth, sinus infections, and periodontal disease. If left undiagnosed and untreated, it can result in severe health complications and pain. In order to avoid these potentially life-threatening conditions, it is important to keep your equine’s teeth up to date on their dental exams.
