The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends that horses have a dental exam annually; veterinary dentistry can have a great impact on animal health. Veterinarians alone are qualified to diagnose and address dental conditions by physical examination and use of diagnostics. On average a horse will need their teeth floated every 1-2 years. It is important for young horses who are entering training to receive a dental exam, because they may need more in depth treatment to prevent small abnormalities from becoming larger concerns later. An older horse may require more frequent exams due to missing teeth, which can cause food packing. Older horses may need extractions to maintain comfort and their body condition. Other symptoms in horses with dental complications include weight loss, quidding, dropping feed, bridling problems, facial swelling, and unilateral nasal discharge. Countryside Vet uses a power float, speculum, and digital x-ray to diagnose and treat our equine patients. The speculum allows the veterinarian to do a full dental exam: including palpating and looking for sharp points, fractured, displaced or missing teeth. Dental floats can be done in the clinic or in the field. If your horse requires more intensive care for an extraction they will need to be treated in the hospital.

Call to schedule a dental appointment today!