Equine dentists

L

lindy

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13 October 2005
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Hiya - just wondering what your takes are on equine dentistry. I have been informed there is a growing trend to move away from dentists who sedate, is this true?

My horses are sedated when the dentist comes but i sometimes think it is unnecessary, especially with availability of complementary therapies such as aromatherapy (i have heard some dentists use lavender instead of sedation to calm horses during treatment).

Anyone else in a quandry - especially since sedating costs a bit more..
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i personally think that sedating is a necessary evil for some horses when the dentist is needed. I dont have any experience with complementary therapies (im a vet nurse so tend to think down the scientific route!). My mum's horse is 23 and needs sedating for the dentist. I dont like to do it cos of her age but when weighing up pros and cons, she obviously needs her teeth checking and to be in good working order else she cant eat! For me, the benefit far outweighs the risk and altho its not ideal, it has to be done. However, if anyone knows of any other ways to calm horses that may be of help for the dentist, please let me know! (pm if necessary!), im always open to new ideas!!
 
I think it depends on the horse. Like kat_g says, for some horses it is a necessary evil. I have assisted a couple of EDTs and neither of them sedate horses which don't need it but I have heard of some dentists who routinely sedate all the horses they treat - which I don't agree with. A good dentist often has "a way with horses" and can keep them calm even when the owner says their horse has always been sedated previously for dental work.
 
You are right of course, not all horses need to sedation. When you talk about having a way with horses, do you think maybe dentistry is becoming a bit of a routine/money making business for EDTs where number of horses per day = £££? Much like GPs who apparently do not care enough about their patients, which may allow EDTs to take advantage by advertising as having a holistic approach?
 
As an EDT I would like to try and shed some light if possible.

In my work I would say about 80% of the horses I do are WITHOUT sedation. However, yes there are alternative therapies on the market with a calming effect but you must understand that for both the EDT and handler this is an extremely dangerous job. In my opinion, when a horse wont allow you to perform dentistry there is no way any of these therapies will help and just puts myslef, the owner and the horse in totally unnecessary danger and most importantly is very unfair on the horse. Also, it is impossible to do a good job whilst chasing a horse round the stable.

Some of my clients suggest using an oral sedative such as sedalin but this will not work either. To be honest, the sedatives used nowadays are so so safe for horses of all ages.

Having said this it is all about the manner in which you approach the horse in the first place. Give it time, patience and consideration and usually you can get the job done with no problems.
 
Not sure lindy. I only know 3 EDTs personally and they are definitely doing it for the money but they also love horses and love their job. One of them has done work for a horse welfare organisation on native ponies who wouldn't otherwise have had badly needed dental work. I know the work he did was difficult and he had to put up with a lot of hardship whilst he was out there so I guess it's like most professions - you get some people who care and others to whom it's just a job.

I have noticed that there is a huge rise in the numbers of people training to become equine dentists though and I wonder if they will all find enough work. Maybe the ones with a bit more to offer will suceed best?
 
"it is all about the manner in which you approach the horse in the first place. Give it time, patience and consideration and usually you can get the job done with no problems."

Victoria, well said, I agree totally.
 
Dentistry is a passion to me and no way a £££ scheme (I realise your are not saying all dentists are £££ makers). To give you an idea - to set up my business with instruments, training and insurance I have invested about £25,000 so far continues to grow.

I am perfectly happy to share this as I hope it makes people understand the extent of our overheads to continue business and its not all about £££ making at all.
 
Sorry, I don't think I put it correctly. I definitely didn't mean that any of the EDTs whom I know on a personal basis are just in it for the money. Obviously, they do need to make money though - like most of us, but they are all three passionate about their jobs and always strive to do the best they can for the horse. It is defnitely not just another job for them but the only job they want to do!
 
Victoria, you're welcome! I like your site by the way. Good pics and clear informative text. I am quite proud of the few photos I've taken of more complex cases. Everyone else goes "Ugh!" if I show them but to me they are really interesting.
 
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