Equine Dentistry

Horses’ teeth are much different than ours. They erupt constantly from adolescence through late adulthood approximately 2-4 mm yearly. Prior to human domestication, horses foraged the majority of the day for their nutrition. This kept the teeth worn down. However, our domesticated Equine companions receive a bulk of their daily caloric intake in two large concentrated meals (hay and grain). This has significantly reduced the amount of time a horse grinds its teeth during the course of a day. Over time, sharp points, hooks and ramps develop at the surface of the erupted teeth. These sharp points interfere with weight gain, the ability to eat, athletic performance and, if left uncorrected, can cause serious problems as senior horses.

At Long Veterinary Clinic, we prefer to examine the mouth once to twice yearly when vaccinations are performed. Often, a horse with serious dental problems may appear fine externally. However, it is not until a thorough history has been taken that we discover the horse has been dropping grain (ie “sloppy eater”), fighting the bit, losing weight and/or has a bad odor or swelling in the mouth. If any of these things are a problem for your horse, than the horse should be sedated and a thorough examination of each tooth performed. However, these procedures are not without risk to the horse and/or the owner. To reduce these risks, only licensed Doctors of Veterinary Medicine or technicians under direct Veterinary supervision should examine your horse’s teeth.

If I have described your horse, please schedule an appointment today. You will be amazed what you will learn and how well your horse will perform with a “smooth mouth”.

Dr. Leighr has a very strong interest in equine dentistry. He attends continuing education seminars and consults with Veterinarian Dentists and Veterinarian Surgeons regularly about his cases. Dr. Leighr uses the Stubbs Smooth Mouth Dentistry Unit to perform dental floats and to correct dental malocclussions. In addition, Dr. Leighr performs intraoral dental extractions when indicated for fractured, abscessed or diseased teeth. Dr. Manfedi utilizes the Powerfloat for routine dental floats.

Pictured below on the left is Dr. Leighr in 2008 and on the right Dr. Manfredi in 2009 floating teeth at the annual Equine Dental Seminar at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in Union, Missouri. The Missouri Veterinary Medical Association, Dr. Rach of Powefloat and Beohringer sponsored this two day event in 2008 and 2009. The horses floated are rescue horses of the Humane Society of Missouri. This event was truly a win win for everyone involved.

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