Dental care plays a vital role in the health and well-being of our horses. However, many owners are not always aware of the importance of equine dentistry and the need to seek professional care. Using their services helps maintain your horse's dental health and oral health throughout its life. In this article, we explain why it is essential to contact an equine dentist to take care of your horse.
Why is equine dentistry important?
Horses have teeth that continue to grow throughout their lives, creating points that we call overbites. Horse teeth can quickly become problematic if they are not properly maintained. A horse's oral health is crucial to their digestion, behavior, and performance. Misaligned or missing teeth, as well as sharp points, can cause pain, difficulty eating, weight loss, and even behavioral problems. Equine dentistry aims to address these issues and keep your pet's oral health in tip-top shape.
When to contact an equine dentist?
Whether you have a young or old horse, it is recommended that you have your horse's teeth examined at least once a year.
In general, the equine dentist travels to:
- A routine examination: the visit lasts about twenty minutes if it has been maintained regularly. For a young horse between 1 and 4 years old, a visit is generally scheduled every 6 months given their loss of baby teeth and the growth of permanent teeth. An equine dentist then checks whether it is fit to work in good conditions or whether certain dental pathologies need to be corrected. He can thus identify emerging problems and correct them before they become serious.
- Signs of dental problems: Equine dental conditions are similar to human dental conditions, so you may want to contact an equine dentist if your horse has cavities, loose teeth, gingivitis, etc. If you notice signs of dental problems such as difficulty eating, weight loss, resistance to the bit, or abnormal behavior, contact an equine dentist immediately.
- A change in behavior: If your horse's behavior suddenly changes for no apparent reason, dental problems could be the cause. Contact an equine dentist for an evaluation.
How does an equine dental consultation take place?
During an equine dental consultation, the dentist performs the following steps:
- An oral exam: The dentist will examine the horse's mouth using a dental mirror and light. This will help spot problems such as sharp points, broken teeth, or missing teeth.
- Correction: If problems are identified, the equine dentist may use special tools to correct these problems. This may include grinding down sharp points or extracting damaged teeth.
- Recommendations: The equine dentist will provide you with recommendations for the future care of your horse's teeth, including frequency of exams and necessary dental care.
Good to know: an equine dental technician is not allowed to handle and administer products to a horse. Only the veterinarian is authorized to sedate a horse. This is why these two professionals work closely together in the case of a tooth extraction, for example.
Horse dentist: how much does a consultation cost?
The cost of an equine dentist consultation can vary depending on several factors, including the geographic area in which you are located, the equine dentist's experience, and the complexity of the horse's dental problem. In general, a basic consultation for a routine dental exam can cost between $50 and $150, but it can be higher if more advanced dental care, such as scaling, is needed.
It is important to note that rates can vary greatly from one clinic or professional to another and it is therefore recommended to request quotes from several equine dentists in your area to get a more accurate idea of costs. Also, always make sure to choose a qualified and experienced equine dentist to ensure quality care for your horse.
The dentist provides care and comfort for your horse. Taking care of your horse’s dental health is essential to his overall well-being. Contact a trusted equine dentist for routine checkups and be alert for signs of dental problems. By being proactive, you help ensure that your horse remains healthy, happy, and performing well. Equine dentistry can make all the difference in your horse’s life.