Teeth

[Christsam]

So, the boy had his teeth done yesterday. Has had a lot to do with the vet recently and is very wary of things being done to him. Tried without sedation but he was not having any of it. Vet gave a small amount and his nose was on the floor in seconds! He did mostly come round about halfway through and was pretty good after that. Vets coming out to check again when he does his jabs in May. Would rather not have to have him sedated lots so has anyone used those calmer pastes? I did ask the vet about it but he knows my horse well and laughed and said he would probably fight it and not take much notice. He would not let vet get near him with the gag so had a thought last night that maybe if i could get the gag on (as he bridles fine) then that may help. any thoughts?

 

[racebuddy]

Hi I have just had mine done today sedated he doesn't like it ethier I am in a situation as needs sedation but he is very prone to
Colic so we try and avoid unnecessary sedation were needed but it is better to be safe than sorry x

 

[Christsam]

Aww no I'm hoping mine will get out of it. He's young and doesn't quite trust my vet at the moment but I hate the thought of having to have him sedated every time. He was done 5 months ago and then this week and needs a check in 6 month as he's losing his caps at the moment. He also had xrays and endoscopy in may so the thought of sedation 4 times in a year is horrible but the vet said he's too intelligent for his own good so maybe he'll be intelligent enough to realise it won't hurt him how old is your boy and what breed? Prone to gassy colic? X

 

[TarrSteps]

Sedation is actually a pretty mild procedure and while there are risks it is so commonly done vets have a very good grasp of dosages etc. Four sedations in a year is nothing - think of horses on box rest that get Sedalin every day!

Re using a speculum for teeth, it is the best way for the dentist/vet to do a good job but it is not safe if the horse won't cooperate. Unless you can restrain your horse sufficiently while the vet is working it's safer for all concerned if he's quiet. A calmer won't have the same effect but there's probably no harm in trying, so long as you check with your vet that whatever you give him won't be a problem if he does need to be sedated.