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Finding a unicorn
5 years ago
Friday, June 12, 2009
Make that Dental Appointment (for your horse) Today!
Get your horse's teeth floated at least once a year; more if you suspect dental problems might be at the core of training or behavioral issues.
A couple of things I learned this time around:
1. The term floating comes from the fact that once the teeth are properly rasped, the filing tool should "float" over the teeth.
2. Some Equine Dentist Specialist may go too far in smoothing and filing down the teeth. There needs to be some roughness and irregularities or the horse will be unable to effectively grind his food and it will dribble out.
3. In some states (not California) it is a felony for anyone other than a licenced veterinarian to float your horses teeth. And this is a big issue!!
4. In fact, there is a petition to keep it free and safe for non-veterinarian types of equine dentists to work on your horses teeth. (Read the petition - people are very passionate about the issues - although I think this petition has been allowed to languish.)
I've used a DVM that has specialized in Equine Dentistry and then I've used my regular vet to have dental work done. I've never actually used equine dentist that wasn't a DVM, but apparently there are alot out there!
5. If they ask you to hold the tongue to one side, you can ask for a discount! (you may not get it, but you can ask!)
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The term float is from the Greek: To level which is the basic idea behind floating horses teeth. It does not mean the tool floats over the teeth. The tongue should never be held during a floating as it is fragile.
ReplyDeleteBrian,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your input. I'm always glad to learn something new, especially if it will improve the quality of life for my horses. I promise to never hold the tongue again during floating. It's good to see equine dentists (not DVMs necessarily) impassioned and sharing their knowledge. Thanks!