Quality, compassionate care for horses.
Dentistry
Dentistry
At Block and Bridle Veterinary Service, complete equine care includes dentistry. Equine dentistry is an important aspect of horse health that is often overlooked. From digestion and colic prevention to neck pain and poor performance, teeth are at the heart of a sound equine program. Oral examination is recommended twice per year to assess dental health. The frequency for which dental floats need to be performed is unique to each horse; we recommend floating be performed annually on average. Whether a horse is two or twenty years old, dental care is an important aspect of their wellness program. Identifying and addressing dental concerns early is key to the longevity of a horse's health.
Dental services offered include:
- Motorized Floating
- Corrective Procedures- malocclusion alignment, tooth extraction, cavity filling
- Digital Radiographs- tooth roots, sinus cavities
Chewing is the First Step of Digestion
In order for horses to properly digest their food, it must first be chewed into small pieces. If chewing is inhibited by pain (jaw, muscle, tooth, gum/ tongue sores) or misaligned teeth, they are unable to extract the necessary nutrients. Weight loss, colic, and
Incisors Can Tell a Story
Given their ease of viewing, incisors are often the teeth examined by owners. Even though they only make up 12 of a horse's 44 teeth, they can provide a wealth of knowledge. Hooks, abnormal spacing, angled contact, and gum recession can all point to greater dental concerns.
