Equine Connection-Spring 2011 - University of Minnesota College ...

HEALTH & WELL-BEING NEWS10 things you should knowabout equine dentistryEquine veterinarians use a lighted speculum to perform an oral exam on a horse at the University of Minnesota Equine Center.By Sara Wefel, D.V.M., DABVP(Equine)Whether you have one horse orten, for performance or pleasure,every horse needs routinedental exams. While removing sharpenamel points from cheek teeth is alwaysimportant, equine veterinary dentistry israpidly expanding to include many moreprocedures and conditions. Here are 10things you should know about your horse’smouth.1It all begins with a good oralexam.A thorough exam by a veterinarian can bethe first step to noting subtle changes foryour horse, whether it is in their mouth orover their entire body. Before starting anydental procedure, a physical exam shouldbe performed, with special attentionto the horse’s heart, lungs, and bodytemperature. This is even more importantbefore administration of any sedatives ortranquilizers, to ensure the horse’s safety.A speculum is placed in the horse’s mouthover the incisors to allow a more completeview of the entire mouth, including allsurfaces of the teeth, tongue, cheeks, andall soft tissues. A specialized light (either aheadlamp or, at the Equine Center, a lightbuilt into the speculum plate) is used toilluminate the entire mouth, allowing thevet to look closely for any fractured teeth,mucosal ulcers, sharp points, dental decay,periodontal pockets, and more. Examfindings and procedures are recordedon a specialized dental chart, allowingsmoother communication between theclinician and owner (who will take a copy3