Teeth checks..

[Starbucks]

My 11 yo had never had his theeth done. He wasn't eating that well and everyone on here said it would be because of his teeth. He's had them done - still eating the same amount.

I think he was just full before?? He looks really well.

It just all makes me think that people take advantage of horsey women. Teeth must be checked every 6 months?

 

[xRobyn]

A lot can depend on management.

I never had Phil done in 8 years of ownership. In these 8 years he was fed 'hard feed' in the first year but never again. He was only given hay when stabled in May 2008 (was back out for winter). Had his teeth done early in 2009 and dentist said that because of my type of management (Ie very little hard feed/hay and any hay or feed that was given was always on the floor) then he used his jaw as it was meant to be. Horses that are fed bigger amounts of hay and hard feed use their jaw less, hence the sharp edges on the teeth. Interestingly he was fed both hay and feed between mid-late 2009 and mid 2010 when he had his teeth done again (18 months) and had some ulcers caused by sharp edges.

 

[LaurenM]

Not sure what you mean by taking advantage of horsey women.

You should be able to feel/see when the horse needs them done. My vet showed me how to check.

 

[VictoriaEDT]

Depends on lots of factors such as age, routine, breed, individual dental conformation so I cant comment on your horse specifically.

However, yes as a general rule they all lie in the 6-12 month bracket depending on the above.

I dont think anyone is taking you for a ride though, I mean it is only every 6 months not every 6 weeks and in the whole grand scheme of the finances of owning a horse, dentistry is a minimal outlay even if it is every 6 months!

 

[fallenangel123]

Sorry I may get on my soap box here. I recently purchased an old pony for my kids to play with. He was fairly skinny but the previous owners had just had him out with no hard feed. I got his teeth checked as it was time for my mares yearly checkup and his teeth are so horrendous the vet had never seen anything as bad and the dentist has made the best job he can for now to try and get some of his teeth into play. Neither thought he had ever been done and he is into his twenties! This to my mind is abuse/severe neglect.
I can't see why anyone wouldn't have teeth done at least yearly, compared to the other expenses of equines it is pretty cheap. I hate to be ripped off like anyone does, (OH says I'm tighter than a ducks a***) but this is essential in preventing problems.
Sorry for the rant, gets off soapbox!