Equine Dentists

[HollyWoozle]

I think that it would be wise to have the dentist out for Belle soon, especially as she doesn't like having her bridle put on and I can't guarantee when she last had them done (we have owned her since October).

My worry firstly is that she can be very headshy and panic (and she's a big 16.2 so it's not too funny). I don't want to book the dentist and have them turn up and her be a psycho, then it would be a waste of time and money. On the other hand, sedaline doesn't do too much to her and I'm not sure whether it's worth having the vets out to sedate her if I can't be 100% sure it's necessary. Any advice on this?

Secondly, can anybody tell me roughly what it might cost? I imagine that this can vary hugely, depending on what needs to be done, but I rely on my parents for funding for most horsie stuff. I would like to be able to get a bit of an idea before I approach them about it.

Any advice much appreciated. Many thanks!

 

[Sparkles]

Could you ring your vets for ACP to send out to you for when the dentist comes instead?


Most dentists I've had are very persistant and will just get on with it and used to dealing with all types. An old one we had was an absolute ARSE with the dentist and I very nearly got struck in the head twice from him going up on his back legs and striking out, plus nearly knocked out by the gag when he had a temper tantrum.
But dentist then just laughed it off and said to lock him in the stable and he'd sort it, so we went out and locked him in like he asked and just did him with him spinning round the stable [with a few good bangs from hind legs on the walls every few seconds!] as he could deal with him just spinning and get on with it. Wasn't harsh or rough in anyway...just qiuiet and got on with it. Horse was good as gold after that too

So yeah..most should be able to deal with it. Remember they do youngsters for the first time etc
Costs - Normal dentistry check-up/rasp is about £40.

 

[LMuirEDT]

If she hasn't been done as long as u remember (and if it's definitely been over 6months) then u can be almost certain she'll need something doing. To put ur own mind at ease then it sounds like it may be best to get her sedated so they can have a thorough check. Might be that next time u may think u wont need vet sedation.

 

[HollyWoozle]

Thanks for your replies, perhaps I could get some ACP for her. I would rather have her as quiet as possible, especially because it worries me that if she played up then the dentist might be overly firm with her (and it's taking a long time to get her trust).

I know Victoria the EDT on here suggested a good dentist in my area so perhaps I'll give them a call and discuss it with them. I'd feel a lot better knowing that it was done.

 

[katherine1975]

I got the vet to come and do my horses teeth the first time, he also has equine dentistry qualifications. He tried to do her teeth without sedation first and then only sedated when he needed to. It saved having the vet and dentist out at the same time.

 

[bexwarren24]

My equine dentist is fantastic with difficult/nervous horses. He has been doing the job for years and he is so quiet and patient with them. I would really recommend him but your probably nowhere near me (devon)? Anyway, as for cost, I think its about £55 from him and I really would suggest you get them checked sooner rather than later. My boy appeared to be fine with his teeth apart from he ate a bit funny. Got the dentist out and he had never had his teeth done in his life (10 years). The dentist thought he should be dead as he shouldnt have been able to eat with teeth that bad. Its the worst teeth he has ever seen on a horse. Anyway 2hours of treatment (on the first day) followed by 3 monthly visits for 2 yrs have eventually got them to a normal state. The difference riding wise is amazing too, his mouth is just so much softer.