The Old Mill Veterinary Surgery is set up for Equine Dentistry both at the clinic, and out in the field. We have the most comprehensive and safe equipment, including portable stocks and a Powerfloat, and we routinely perform performance float and balance, wolf tooth and molar extractions, bit seating and dental x-rays. Dr Slade Walker has post graduate qualifications in Equine Dentistry (1 of only 11 in Australia), and years of experience to provide complete dentistry safely and efficiently. 

The Horse's Mouth

The horse's upper jaw is wider than the lower jaw, and this leads to the production of sharp enamel points on the outside of the upper teeth, and the inside of the lower teeth. These sharp points can cut the cheek and tongue during chewing or when the horse is being ridden and leads to large amounts of pain, bad behaviour, inefficient food intake, weight loss, and even colic or infertility. Horses' teeth continue to grow throughout their life, and confinement into stables and paddocks together with modern diets predispose them to dental problems.

The Importance of Equine Dentistry

Dental disease is found in more than 80% of all horses and dental issues are the most common source of loss of condition and bad behaviour in performance horses. Not only can correct and regular dental care reduce ongoing mouth problems and the incidence of colic, it is also the easiest and most economic way to improve the health, performance level, and longevity of your horse.
 

The Dentisty Equipment

For Equine Dentistry to be performed safely and professionally, the horses are restrained in mobile stocks. The horse receives both a physical and dental examination, and a dental chart for our medical records. The horse's head is supported in a halter, and a mouth speculum with a light source is used to allow for better access and visualisation, as the last molars can be half a metre inside the mouth! A Powerfloat has a rotating tungsten tip that allows for very precise and effecient correction of the problems that may be found.


Why Use a Veterinary Dentist?

A veterinary dentist has not only completed 5 years of veterinary training, but has also taken part in specialised courses in equine dentistry. Veterinary dentists have a sound scientific knowledge, are covered by insurance, and legally able to use sedatives and other drugs. It is common to hear that people use their farrier or other lay people to do their horse's teeth, but these people dont have any formal training in equine dentistry regardless of their sometimes extravagent titles, and most of them do not have insurance to cover you or your animal should somethign go wrong. In fact, there are reported cases of lay dentists using a dremel to file teeth, heating the sensitive structures within the teeth too much, and ending up having to have half the horse's teeth removed by a veterinary dentist in the end! Make sure this does not happen to your horse, use a veterinary dentist.

Signs and Symptoms

Unlike cats and dogs, horses will continue to eat with severe periodontal disease, fractured molars and lacerated cheeks. The frequency of dental visits varies between horses, but as a guide every ridden horse and brood mare should have a dental performed every 12 months to prevent painful conditions of the mouth, and young horses often need more frequent visits.

Some symptoms to look out for which may indicate your horse needs a dental include:
 - Dropping feed from mouth while eating
 - Head tossing or bucking
 - Excess salivation and eating slowly
 - Weight loss or loss of condition
 - Undigested feed in manure
 - Fighting or chewing the bit
 - Failing to stop or turn, and difficult transitions
 - Nasal discharge
 - Foul smell from mouth or nostrils
 - Tooth grinding or swelling of the face

Some horses may show multiple signs, or NO signs at all due to the fact they have adapted to their discomfort. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact them.