Volume 4 Issue 5

I’VE GOT PEOPLE

One of the most important things we have to have done twice a year that makes our skin crawl, is to go to the dentist.  We all know how important it is to have good oral hygiene.  Like it or not, off to the dentist we go, to have our teeth x-rayed, cleaned, filled, extracted, whitened, & straightened.   Without good dentition, we cannot eat properly, which in turn, brings about a whole set of other problems.   And so, like good little soldiers, we march off to the dentist so that we can not only look good, but live a healthier life.

The same holds true for our equine friends.  Not so long ago, we were not as educated about our horse’s dental needs and seldom, if ever, thought about “having their teeth done”.  Today, we are much more aware of our horse’s need for good oral hygiene and good dention.  Fortunately, the veterinarian industry has kept searching for new and innovative ways to keep our horses healthy.  Our Veterinarians can now “Float”, remove plaque and tarter, extract, change the bite, and in some cases, fill our horse’s teeth.  By doing this, we are ensuring the most efficient way to properly metabolize the food they eat in order to keep them in top physical shape.

Adult male horses usually have 12 pre molars [6 upper, and 6 lower], 12 molars [6 upper, and 6 lower] 12 incisors [6 upper and 6 lower] and also usually have 4 canines [2 upper and 2 lower].  Adult females have 12 pre molars, 12 molars,12 incisors, and usually, no canines, [some mares do have them, however they are just really small].

During the aging process, the teeth start to slant, change shape and the “dental star” changes shape and location.  The “dental star” is a spot on the occluding surface of the teeth that can be seen with the naked eye.  It can help to determine the age of the horse, depending on size, shape, and location.

There are two types of dental unsoundness in horses.  One is congenital.  This is something that the horse is born with, for example, a parrot mouth, or an under shot jaw.  The second is non-congenital.  This means something that has happened to the teeth or jaw, through the course of growth. For example, a “wave”, retained incisors, or retained caps.

For these reasons, it is very important to have your vet check your horse’s teeth at least once a year for mature horses and at least twice a year for youngsters.  Your vet will let you know if there is a problem and the best way to handle it.

The following interview on Equine Dentistry, will, I hope, help to impress upon horse owners the need for good dental care of our horses and clarify some concerns associated with this practice.  

This interview was conducted with Dr. Kelly Alcala.   Dr. Alcala has her Masters and Under Graduate degree from Cal Poly in Pomona.  She also then graduated from U.C. Davis in 2003 as a D.V.M.  Dr. Alcala is also a member of AAEP [American Association of Equine Practioners], AVMA [American Vet. Med Assc.], CVMA [California Vet. Med. Assc.] and SCVMA [So. Cal. Vet. Med. Assoc.]

I have worked with Dr. Alcala for many years and never fail to be impressed with her caring and gentle way with our equine friends and she is unquestionably dedicated to perform the best services possible for their safety, health and welfare.

REMEMBER.....WHEN IN DOUBT.....CALL YOUR VET


For the rest of this interview, visit my store at http://Shop.Wen-D-Acres.com