Dentistry

In many ways, horses rely on having a healthy mouth with intact teeth: not just for chewing food, but also when using a snaffle, which is inserted into the mouth to aid during equestrian sports.

That is why every horse should have a regular dental check-ups every six to 12 months, and dental treatment when necessary. For mature horses, a yearly check-up is generally sufficient, as long as there are no deformities or other irregularities. But after approximately 20 years of age, check-ups should increase again to help avoid periodontitis or similar oral conditions linked to ageing.

Our dental treatments cover, among other things, grinding of incisors or molars, correction of complicated deformities, overbites, underbites, scissor bites, extraction of peg and milk teeth, fillings, fracture treatment for all bony structures in the head, trepanation for treating paranasal sinuses and extraction of permanent incisors and molars. Extractions can be done either under general anaesthetic or while the horse is awake. It is important to always consider what is best for the horse.

We work closely with Dr Conrad Christoffers and Dr Carsten Vogt, specialists from Ottersberg Veterinary Practice, for all dental treatments. They help us to perform surgery on-site (often while the horse is awake).