Dentistry for your horse

[JenJ]

Prompted by the thread on the cost of teeth rasping, I was surprised by the amount of people that used a vet (mostly dental specialists) to look after their horse's teeth, as on most yards I'm familiar with, an EDT is generally used. It made me wonder if maybe the local area I'm in is unusual in this. Or if the typical HHO poster is unusual in using mostly vets. Or neither!

I was also surprised by the amount that used sedation, as it's more of a rarity in my experience, but I guess sedation and vet to treat would be more likely together anyway.

So just out of nosiness curiosity, what do you do?

For context my two little ones are definitely not great with having their teeth done (not really had it done much/at all before I got them) and one had to be sedated the first time with EDT, both were done without sedation the second time with a different EDT but it wasn't a pleasant experience for anyone, and I'm wondering now if vet (or specialist vet) with sedation might be a better option for them next time. I just hadn't really thought it was a 'thing' to do that.

 

[Zoeypxo]

If i had a horse that needed sedating for dental i would use a normal vet with sedation, if i have a horse that doesnt need sedating i would use a EDT.
In my experience most people use a vet and sedation.

 

[humblepie]

Qualified dentist. Fortunately mine is very good to do. The dentist does quite a few at the yard and I don’t think any need sedation so can’t give you practical help.

 

[Tiddlypom]

I am a poacher turned gamekeeper on this subject.

I was formerly in the camp of believing both that sedation absolutely is not needed in most cases and that my EDT was doing a good job - my horses are well behaved, though the IDx was getting increasingly niggly.

Complete about turn after finding the mess that my pleasant, popular and very experienced EDT had left behind after he thankfully did notice decay in two molars, and referred the IDx as a non urgent case just for the fillings on to a specialist dental vet. Rest of mouth in ‘good shape’, apparently.

He is a former listed qualified member EDT but has lapsed his membership .

The mess that was found by the vet dentist was . Poor horse. Wave and shear mouth, sharp points, two dead and infected incisors in addition to the decay.

It took two sessions under standing sedation each lasting 2 hours firstly to do the x rays and the fillings, and secondly the routine rasping and the incisor extractions. The horse needed more top up sedation than any previous patient that the vet dentist had seen, she must have been in so much pain. She was 17yo at the time.

18 months on and the three monthly raspings have been pushed out to 6 months again and she is eating and wearing her teeth correctly. She’s grand.

Session 1. The initial examination, x rays and the two fillings.


Session 2. The rasping and the incisor extractions.




Vet dentist checking the fillings as he goes with the camera probe.



Vet dentist will rasp without sedation if an owner insists, but warns owner that he may not be able to do as thorough a job. It’s been light sedation and the chin rest for my neds from then on. The other two also needed a lot of remedial correction, though the EDT had said they were grand, too.

 

[Sparky Lily]

EDT for all 5 Shetland ponies, all without sedation now, though one did need sedation for a previous EDT.

 

[Hackback]

I've picked EDT without sedation but I'm only talking rasping. The young one needed his wolf teeth knocking out and it was still EDT but I gave Dom gel beforehand, other than that none have ever needed more than a rasp. Not sure who I'd choose if they needed more work - probably come on here to ask!

 

[humblepie]

I've picked EDT without sedation but I'm only talking rasping. The young one needed his wolf teeth knocking out and it was still EDT but I gave Dom gel beforehand, other than that none have ever needed more than a rasp. Not sure who I'd choose if they needed more work - probably come on here to ask!

Good point. My answer was for annual check up and rasping.

 

[Barton Bounty]

Never had a horse that has needed sedation for anything.
Always EDT without sedation.

 

[greasedweasel]

Mine have been done by a vet the last few years sedated. Just done by a qualified dentist not sedated this week. The EDT’s findings were very different from the vet but based on the way the horses ride I am far more inclined to believe the EDT.

 

[reynold]

Somewhat feral/nervous WHW pony definitely needs sedation to be done by an EDT that I've used for years for many horses. He comes and does all 8 horses at the yard where I am now.

Pony would have to be sedated at least once per year for dentistry even without her nerves as she has had an incisor removed in the past and the matching incisor needs regular attention to keep her front tooth movement correct. Obviously this cannot be done with the gag in place.

Previous horses with this EDT were all done without sedation. He educated my young homebreds about having their teeth done and was very careful to give them a good experience to take on in their future life.

 

[Suncat]

I've had a bit of a change of thinking in recent times, I've always used an EDT with no sedation, as mine have always been well behaved and straightforward (the horses that is, but also the EDT). But I've swapped over to at least an annual sedation and vet check (using the vet in our practice who's specialising in dental work), this started partly because my veteran started to get more dental issues and from both reading around and observing the vet then at work (always paid attention to my very informative EDT to) it does seem that effect of sedation gives the practitioner just that bit more access and time to do a better more detailed job on the dentistry. Add the wider scope of what the vet can do, should they find anything, and it seems worthwhile.

I still have a lot of confidence in EDT's (as above, that's based on the practitioner maintaining their CPD/skills).

 

[JenJ]

I am a poacher turned gamekeeper on this subject.

I was formerly in the camp of believing both that sedation absolutely is not needed in most cases and that my EDT was doing a good job - my horses are well behaved, though the IDx was getting increasingly niggly.
...

Thank you for such an in-depth response

 

[Sealine]

My horse has needed sedation in the past. A few years ago the vet was going to be very late due to an emergency so my EDT offered to try without sedation. Horse was fine without sedation so I've never used sedation since. Last week my horse had his annual visit, the EDT advised referral to a vet to increase a gap in his teeth to prevent food becoming trapped leading to a painful infection. I'm yet to explore my options but the EDT did mention a specific vet at the RVC who are my normal practice so they will be my first port of call.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Thank you for such an in-depth response

The topic strikes a nerve with me, as you can tell!

Good thing to debate about, thanks for posting.

That episode added to the list of things are contributing to me getting out of horses - I really believed that I was doing my best by my horses and yet I and they got taken for a ride by yet another horsey charlatan.

 

[TPO]

I am a poacher turned gamekeeper on this subject.

I was formerly in the camp of believing both that sedation absolutely is not needed in most cases and that my EDT was doing a good job - my horses are well behaved, though the IDx was getting increasingly niggly.

Complete about turn after finding the mess that my pleasant, popular and very experienced EDT had left behind after he thankfully did notice decay in two molars, and referred the IDx as a non urgent case just for the fillings on to a specialist dental vet. Rest of mouth in ‘good shape’, apparently.

He is a former listed qualified member EDT but has lapsed his membership .

The mess that was found by the vet dentist was . Poor horse. Wave and shear mouth, sharp points, two dead and infected incisors in addition to the decay.

It took two sessions under standing sedation each lasting 2 hours firstly to do the x rays and the fillings, and secondly the routine rasping and the incisor extractions. The horse needed more top up sedation than any previous patient that the vet dentist had seen, she must have been in so much pain. She was 17yo at the time.

18 months on and the three monthly raspings have been pushed out to 6 months again and she is eating and wearing her teeth correctly. She’s grand.

Session 1. The initial examination, x rays and the two fillings.
View attachment 148646

Session 2. The rasping and the incisor extractions.

View attachment 148647


Vet dentist checking the fillings as he goes with the camera probe.

View attachment 148648

Vet dentist will rasp without sedation if an owner insists, but warns owner that he may not be able to do as thorough a job. It’s been light sedation and the chin rest for my neds from then on. The other two also needed a lot of remedial correction, though the EDT had said they were grand, too.

Same here; poacher turned game keeper re sedation and EDTs.

I was firmly in EDT camp and recommended him lots.

Due to circumstances with a new horse a "normal" equine vet was used and they found massive issues with my horse. They referred to the Equine Dental Clinic, who'd done an extraction on another horse previously, who had to do remedial works and now, thankfully, do the routine 6mth visits for all three of my horses.

I wouldn't have listened to me any time before February 2023, I'd have sworn blind that EDTs were better and that sedation wasn't needed for a good look.

I hope some people can learn from my mistakes and not need to go it for themselves. But I know if I'd read this, or Tiddlypom's posts, pre Feb 2023 I'd have been "not my EDT, he's great & better than vets plus sedation isn't needed". I was 100% wrong and found out the hard (& expensive way) and worst of all my poor horse suffered.

 

[Trickywooo]

I wouldn't go to my GP for toothache. I go to a qualified dentist. I apply that same logic to my horses.
Teeth = equine dental technician
Feet = farrier

As for sedation, I am not against it as such but I think it can be overly used. All my horses are fine having their teeth rasped and I have a very calm EDT who takes his time with them and gives them regular breaks. He is fantastic with young or nervous horses also.

If one of mine was extremely nervous or if the procedure required sedation, then of course I would sedate but I don't think it should be mandatory. I personally refuse to use another local EDT as they insist on sedation for routine rasping regardless of how calm and well behaved a horse might be

 

[Jambarissa]

I have EDT without sedation but do understand that gold standard now is with sedation regardless of how good your horse is.

I've had some bad experiences in the past with sedation and am reluctant to do it unless necessary. All my horses are good and have large enough mouths for the dentist to access easily.

What's the benefit of sedation for a 'good' horse?

 

[Jambarissa]

I'll also say I think there's value in changing your dentist occasionally. I don't have the ability to evaluate a dentists work in the way I can with a farrier.

I have a popular and supposedly excellent EDT and have my horses done twice a year. Probably every 4th visit I get my vet to do it, they are trained with the correct tools but not sure whether they tick the equine dentist vet box.

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

I use my vet, he is also a qualified and up to date EDT. He has removed himself from their register this year though.

When the occasion warrants, he will use sedation. B has only had this once when removing a wolf tooth nearly years ago.
He doesn't use it as a matter of course 'just in case'.

He did one of my late mini shetlands without it, the other needed a rhino sized amount to keep her still (she was a bu88er as hated any intervention, and needles and would try and dodge annual vaccs too)

 

[TPO]

What's the benefit of sedation for a 'good' horse?

No matter how still a good horse it isn't as still as a sedated horse with their head resting on a support.

My horse had really bad diastema and infected periodontal pockets. He was 11 when the vet found them. I'd had the horse since age 2 and used the EDT since then at 6-9mth intervals (intervals were advised by EDT).

I wouldn't go to my GP for toothache.

Those used to be my exact words on here ans my reasoning.

 

[suestowford]

Mostly I get the vet to check teeth when she is here to do their six-monthly regular visit anyway. She doesn't usually have to do much. But there was one time when one of them had been in pain with something, and it had affected his teeth. It was too bad for the vet to tackle so we had EDT out, and the vet so he could be sedated as it was a lot of work to do. Now we have his pain under control his mouth is doing well and we are back to just needing a bit of rasping. He does not need sedating for that.

 

[MrsMozart]

My own horses have always been qualified EDT without sedation, unless it was anything more than rasping as then vet with sedation.

Having a retirement livery yard we're now a mix of qualified EDT without sedation, and specialist vet with sedation.

It's an interesting area for discussion. My own horses have never, as far as I'm aware, had an issue with 'just' using a qualififed EDT sans sedation. I do get what some vets say though re. being able to have a really good looksee in a sedated horse, then again a couple of our oldies would've been a bit iffy on their feet with sedation as they're sensitive wee souls.

 

[onemoretime]

The topic strikes a nerve with me, as you can tell!

Good thing to debate about, thanks for posting.

That episode added to the list of things are contributing to me getting out of horses - I really believed that I was doing my best by my horses and yet I and they got taken for a ride by yet another horsey charlatan.

There's plenty of them about! So sorry that you feel like getting out of horses.

 

[fidleyspromise]

I've used a vet and sedation up Til now. They won't do dental without sedation.

I've got one horse moved over to EDT as she has become dangerous to inject plus had a massive reaction to sedation last time (stumbled about and fell on floor. Same amount of sedation as previous 13 years).

I have EDT coming to do Highland to see whether she needs sedating/how she gets on as I'm hoping to get Vet annually and EDT every 3 months potentially for financial reasons but if I feel they can't do the job properly then it will be vet 3 monthly.

 

[Tiddlypom]

What's the benefit of sedation for a 'good' horse?

If you look at the pic upthread of my sedated horse resting her head on the chin rest, it is physically much easier for the dentist of whatever flavour to do a thorough job with the rasping on an immobile and correctly angled head. Especially getting right up to the teeth at the back.

I was at the thought that the unnatural posture might cause problems in her head, jaw and neck area- she’s a wonky mare at the best of times. I now book the chiro vet for the horses’ 6 monthly checkup a week after the vet dentist has been, but all three (now sadly two) horses have never been so unwonky all over their bodies since the specialist vet dentist sorted out their teeth. Who knew, eh .

I will add that while the EDT I used to use is no longer registered, he did use to be registered up to until recently. He was first recommended to me by the wife of a very well known pioneering EDT who couldn’t take me on himself as his books were full. I didn’t just pluck a name off a list.

 

[dottylottie]

regular vet does their teeth when they have their jabs, lily was due her teeth when i bought her anyway and her jabs were due in the next month so i got both done together, diva had never seen a dentist ever (!) so she had a rasp and wolf teeth out with suggested check up in 6 months - timed very nicely with lilys next appointment!

i don’t think lily would tolerate it without sedation, and whilst diva was fine with the gag on for the first time i don’t think she’d stand still either. honestly, i just don’t see a need for them to have it done without sedation, it’s once a year (for mine).

i know lots and lots of horses are fine without, but i personally can’t imagine it’s pleasant even if they do allow it. the thought of the vibration rattling through my jaw goes through me, id definitely need sedation
both of mine are fine sedated (had enough practice with their lameness scans lol) and don’t struggle coming back around.

absolutely don’t object to edt though! i don’t think i’m in one camp or the other, i opted for vet out of convenience but wouldn’t object to edt or qualified vet if i had any concerns or cause for wanting a 2nd opinion. i’ve known people have vets miss things that edt picked up on, and vice versa

 

[Polos Mum]

I think there are vets and vets as well as EDTs and EDTs - if that makes any sense.

I had a terrible experience with a vet who was scared of what she was doing, sedated the poor pony to the point I was holding him against the wall.
Then when she'd unpackaged her brand new (never used) dental kit - took a 2 min look and pronounced them totally fine.

I think dentistry is quite specialist so when required (wolf teeth etc.) I use a Vet that ALSO has the dentistry qualifications and spends a lot of her time doing teeth. She is fab.

Most of the time it's EDT - qualified and registered - I (an accountant) could do a two day course, buy some kit and have my car sign written - then head out to be an EDT - terrifying !

I think (as for all professionals) we can look at the output of their work (comfortable with the bit, no dropping food or balling up hay, no nasty smell, no head issues etc.) and if we're not happy - a second opinion is always an option.

 

[HappyHollyDays]

I use an EDT routinely for both my horses. He is very good and stays in contact with my vet when there are any dental issues. I have only ever had to deal with one tooth extraction and it was done by my vet and an attending experienced dental specialist vet. Due to an unrelated wonky incisor which needs regular rasping my vet always does it under sedation as pony doesn't cope well with electric tools and my EDT checks yearly it’s not causing issues. Between the two of them I feel the boys teeth are in good condition.

 

[Cloball]

regular vet does their teeth when they have their jabs, lily was due her teeth when i bought her anyway and her jabs were due in the next month so i got both done together, diva had never seen a dentist ever (!) so she had a rasp and wolf teeth out with suggested check up in 6 months - timed very nicely with lilys next appointment!

i don’t think lily would tolerate it without sedation, and whilst diva was fine with the gag on for the first time i don’t think she’d stand still either. honestly, i just don’t see a need for them to have it done without sedation, it’s once a year (for mine).

i know lots and lots of horses are fine without, but i personally can’t imagine it’s pleasant even if they do allow it. the thought of the vibration rattling through my jaw goes through me, id definitely need sedation
both of mine are fine sedated (had enough practice with their lameness scans lol) and don’t struggle coming back around.

absolutely don’t object to edt though! i don’t think i’m in one camp or the other, i opted for vet out of convenience but wouldn’t object to edt or qualified vet if i had any concerns or cause for wanting a 2nd opinion. i’ve known people have vets miss things that edt picked up on, and vice versa

I feel the same, on my yard the part liveries use the vet with sedation and the DIY EDT without the new vet this time found a bit of a diastema so it'll be a specialist next though. Last vet didn't mention it again

 

[Gamebird]

I've picked EDT without sedation but I'm only talking rasping. The young one needed his wolf teeth knocking out and it was still EDT but I gave Dom gel beforehand, other than that none have ever needed more than a rasp. Not sure who I'd choose if they needed more work - probably come on here to ask!

So interestingly that is actually illegal. Qualified EDTs can only remove wolf teeth 'under direct and continuous supervision from a vet'. Ie. there needs to be a vet present and supervising the entire time while the EDT is extracting wolf teerh (and not just somewhere on the yard). It happens, but it is 100% a contravention of the legislation and needs people to start calling it out.

Apart from the illegality, I just don't think there is any justification in 2024 for digging teeth out of any animal's jaw without a vet administering IV sedation and a local anaesthetic block.