Horse Dental FAQs
These frequently asked questions shed some light on the standard of dental care for horses.
If you have any further questions about dental care for horses, please get in touch.
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When should my 'young horse' get their first dental?
Foals should be checked as soon as they are born for birth defects, including parrot mouth, cleft palate, and wry nose. Sharp points can begin to develop very quickly, and a dental every 6 months is recommended until 5 years old. During this time, horses are shedding 24 baby teeth, and gaining 12 additional cheek teeth.
Why does my horse need a dental?
Traditionally, many people recognise that dental care for horses involves filing down sharp points on the teeth for our performance horses. Broodmares also require this intervention for optimal health and pregnancy rates. Additionally, we identify and treat areas of tooth disease or decay, gingival disease, and other oral health issues including cancer, viral disease, bacterial disease, and disease in the mouth related to other body systems.
Do you always use sedation when performing a dental?
Yes, sedation is required to do a thorough examination and dental.
Will you do a dental without sedation?
Because we want to do a thorough examination of all of our patients, and because sedation increases the safety for the veterinarian, as well as the patient, we require sedation for all dentals.
How often does my horse need a dental?
We recommend every 6 months for the first 5 years of life. From 5-10 years old, every 8 months is recommended, and yearly therafter. These are for horses that don’t have significant issues that are being treated. This is a guide only, and may be variable depending on the patient.
Do you remove wolf teeth?
Yes, we do remove wolf teeth. This requires that the horse is vacinated against tetanus. If not they will need to receive a short term, protective antitoxin jab at the time of the appointment. This is not a vaccine and the protection will only last for about 3 weeks.
Can you travel to me?
Absolutely I can travel to you. We do require a flat tidy space, with access to water. Ideally out of bright sunshine. Inquire today for more information.