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Articles ( * = TheHorse.com members only )Date Posted
Aged Horse Health Screenings Recommended, ACVIM 2009  *
Lameness, weight loss, colic, and equine Cushing's syndrome are the four top reasons for euthanizing an older horse, said Catherine McGowan, BVSc, PhD, RCVS, European specialist in equine internal medicine, who presented research by Thomas McGowan, BSc, DVM, PhD, at the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum, held June 3-6 in Montréal, ... Read full story
 7/24/2009
Equine Sinus Infection Treatment Balloons at WCVM  *
A few years ago, a magazine article describing a minimally-invasive treatment for people with chronic sinusitis caught the eye and imagination of Chris Bell, DVM. What if such a treatment could be adapted for use in horses? Last summer, the chance to test that theory came up for Bell when second-year veterinary student Dane Tatarniuk began working ... Read full story
 7/3/2009
Study: Customize Bits and Bridles to Minimize Oral Ulcers  *
Bridles and bits should be custom designed or fitted in order to minimize the occurrence of oral ulcers, according to a group of Swedish researchers led by Ove Wattle, DVM, PhD, from the Department of Clinical Sciences at the Swedish University of Agricultural Science. "Oral ulcers and abrasions on the lips, cheeks, and tongue of horses are very ... Read full story
 6/1/2009
Equine Jaw Fracture Repair Aided by New Technology  *
Advances in screw and plate technology are leading to improved clinical and aesthetic results in the treatment of even the most complicated jaw fractures, according to Swiss researchers. By using the new locking compression plate (LCP) system, surgeons are able to provide a more stable repair system that aids complete healing with fewer and less ... Read full story
 5/28/2009
Oklahoma Equine Dentistry Bill Remains Controversial  *
Oklahomans who are not veterinarians will soon be able to float horses' teeth without risking felony charges, now that Gov. Brad Henry signed SB 452 into law on Thursday. SB 452 strips an amendment to the state's Veterinary Practice Act of a 2008, which called for felony penalties against individuals without a veterinary license who float or extract ... Read full story
 5/23/2009
Oklahoma Legislators Back Lay Equine Dentists  *
Oklahoma legislators have approved a measure that allows individuals who are not veterinarians to float horses' teeth without risking felony charges. SB 452 strips an amendment from the Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act of 2008 that allowed felony charges against anyone accused of practicing veterinary medicine without a license. The Oklahoma House ... Read full story
 5/15/2009
Advanced Equine Dentistry Table Topic   *
Equine dentistry is a rapidly expanding field that encompasses a number of procedures. These include occlusal equilibration (how the teeth contact the opposite tooth surfaces), endodontics (the treatment of diseases of the tooth pulp), exodontics (the extraction of teeth), oral surgery, orthodontics (the supervision and guidance of the growing dentition ... Read full story
 4/23/2009
A Look Inside (Dentistry)  *
Maintain your horse's dental health now so he'll be chewing well into old age. While many horse owners are becoming aware of the importance of equine dental care through media attention and increasing veterinary education, the majority might not have a working knowledge of the horse's dentition or masticatory apparatus (all the components needed to ... Read full story
 4/1/2009
AAEP 2008: Tooth Characteristics and Feed Digestibility   *
Think floating a horse's teeth improves his feed digestion? Think again. At the 2008 American Association of Equine Practitioners convention, held Dec. 6-10 in San Diego, Calif., a study showing that floating doesn't improve feed digestion was presented by James Carmalt, MA, VetMB, MVetSc, Dipl. ABVP, ACVS, associate professor of large animal surgery ... Read full story
 3/16/2009
Oklahoma Equine Dentist Faces Felony Charges   *
Professional rodeo rider Bobby Griswold is facing felony charges in Oklahoma for practicing equine dentistry without a veterinary medical license. Griswold is not a veterinarian, but he graduated from an equine dental school. He was arrested March 4 in Oklahoma City by an Oklahoma Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners investigator and Oklahoma City ... Read full story
 3/11/2009
Where Not to Pinch Pennies  *
In tough economic times, many horse owners look for ways to cut costs. Too often this is done by cutting back on veterinary care. However, it is important to keep in mind that what may save us a couple of dollars now might end up costing us much more in the future. Keeping your horse in good health is actually the best way to save money long term. ... Read full story
 3/1/2009
Open Wide: Readers Share Their Horse's Dental Schedule  *
More than 2,000 readers of TheHorse.com responded to a poll asking, "How often do you have your horse's teeth floated?" Results were as follows: Once a year: 51.18% (1,043) Only when needed: 27.43% (559) More than once a year: 10.89% (222) Every couple of years: 8.59% (175) Readers shared how often they have their horse's teeth ... Read full story
 2/1/2009
Respecting Our Elders  *
Is 20 the new 10? How horses age has a lot to do with their luck in the genetic lottery, but factors such as nutrition, medical and dental care, and lifestyle can enhance--and even extend--their years. "Historically, horses were considered old when they reached their teens," says Joe Pagan, PhD, president of Kentucky Equine Research in Versailles, ... Read full story
 1/1/2009
Endoscopy-Assisted Dentistry Improves Traditional 'Shot In The Dark'  *
After investigating the technique in more than 300 horses, Austrian researchers have concluded that endoscopic evaluation of the oral cavity as part of a routine dental examination is a safe and effective means of thoroughly assessing horses' dentition. This is particularly true for subtle lesions of the cheek teeth that would otherwise be missed during ... Read full story
 12/26/2008
'Tongue Piercing' in Horses   *
It's not a new fad and probably isn't what you're thinking. Horses sometimes accidentally become wounded by pieces of metal or wire, splinters of wood, or even grass awns that become lodged in their tongue, mouth, or throat as they eat. These and other foreign bodies can cause serious medical problems and great discomfort for a horse within hours or ... Read full story
 8/2/2008
Equine Dentistry: Straight From the Horse's Mouth
As a veterinarian with more than 20 years of experience in veterinary dentistry, James Anthony, DVM, Dipl. AVDC, offers a unique perspective on issues related to this specialized field, the growing recognition of dentistry's importance in equine health--and a glimpse of its future. Anthony is a 1983 graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine ... Read full story
 7/19/2008
Minnesota Equine Tooth Floaters Lose First Round  *
The Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine can continue to regulate the floating of horses' teeth as the practice of veterinary medicine, according to the Fourth Judicial District Court for Hennepin County. In a 51-page decision rendered June 20, 2008 (Johnson v. Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine), the Court found a rational basis for state regulation ... Read full story
 6/24/2008
Brazilian Olympic Horse Treated at University of Florida  *
After surviving an odyssey of complicated medical problems and difficult surgeries, a Brazilian Olympic dressage horse named Livello has lived to train another day and is recuperating back in his home country, thanks to University of Florida veterinarians. UF equine surgeon David Freeman, MVB, PhD, Dipl. ACVS, who played a key role in Livello's amazing ... Read full story
 5/10/2008
AAEP Launching Equine Dentistry Campaign   *
Because proper dental care is vital to a horse's overall health, the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) is launching a campaign to promote the need for horses to receive a thorough oral examination at least once a year. Designed to reach horse owners, the campaign will kick off in April and run through 2008. It is important to ... Read full story
 4/7/2008
Dental Care and Health  *
Dental science and, consequently, dental health for us as human beings, have come a very long way in the past 250 years. Most of us in this country are accustomed to regular, routine visits to our general family practitioner for an overall health evaluation, as well as a yearly visit to our dentist to stave off oral and dental health issues that might ... Read full story
 4/1/2008
TheHorse.com Videos: News/Interviews
Interview with Dr. Duncan Peters on event horse safety (3:51 min) 4/24/08 Interview with Dr. Scott Morrison on identifying and treating thrush (4:19 min) 1/24/08 Read article French butcher's perspective on horsemeat (1:07 min) 1/14/08 Read article Interview on dentistry with Dr. Jack Easley (2:43 min) 1/10/08 Interview on the ... Read full story
 2/4/2008
Genetic Test for "Sow Mouth"?
Q: I read the article "Orthodontics for Horses," authored by David O. Klugh, DVM, FAVD/Equine (available on TheHorse.com at article #9671). In regard to the Class III malocclusion (the lower jaw is longer and teeth are not in a position of normal occlusion), he mentions that this can be either hereditary or a delayed growth of the upper jaw. Is there ... Read full story
 2/1/2008
Dental Dilemmas: Cheek Tooth Fractures, Treatment Characterized  *
Cheek teeth fractures can lead to a number of unpleasant problems in the horse, from chewing discomfort to bad breath, and they tend to show up most often in the upper jaw. Sometimes these fractures can even go undetected, say researchers who recently completed a survey-based study of horses in Ireland and Great Britain. Professor Paddy Dixon, ... Read full story
 10/14/2007
Motion Capture Confirms: Horses Chew Different Feeds in Different Ways  *
Horses eating a diet consisting mostly of pellets or grain could require more dental maintenance than horses eating predominantly hay or pasture grasses, according to researchers at Michigan State University who used motion capture techniques to track the movement of horses' jaws. The results of their study showed that horses use slower, larger movements ... Read full story
 7/31/2007
Older Horses: Dental Problems  *
As a horse ages, there is an ongoing wear and tear process that slowly, but steadily, erodes the animal's ability to be as productive and athletic as he was during earlier years. Nowhere is this more evident than with his teeth. The bad news is that, in the past, little attention was paid to equine dental work and often horses ended their lives in ... Read full story
 7/1/2007
Orthodontics for Horses  *
Orthodontics is the study of tooth movement and alignment. It includes normal and abnormal tooth movement, bone growth, tooth eruption, and shedding of baby teeth. In general it is a study of the young, growing patient. The equine jaws and teeth are designed to interact in an efficient manner that maintains normal forces during the entire life of ... Read full story
 6/1/2007
Dentistry Part 5: Surgical Procedures  *
The field of equine dentistry is as broad as the field of human dentistry. While your family dentist receives special training in a wide range of topics on general dental care, the endodontist, orthodontist, periodontist, and oromaxillofacial surgeon receive special training to care for more complex problems involving the dentition and the intricate ... Read full story
 5/1/2007
Dentistry Part 4: Periodontal Disease  *
At last! The day's work is done and you are free to enjoy some time with your horse. There is a spring in your step as you gather up your barn gear. You slice a crisp red apple for your pal and suddenly realize that in your rush to get to the barn you forgot to eat lunch! Your buddy won't mind, surely, if you share a bit of his apple. Just as you thought ... Read full story
 4/1/2007
Virginia to Regulate Equine Dentists  *
There are perhaps 300 people in the nation, and a few dozen in Virginia, who claim the title of "horse dentist," in the obscure trade that dates to at least the 13th century. Normally known only to horse owners and veterinarians, it has been in the political spotlight of late. Last week, Virginia joined the growing number of states that have passed ... Read full story
 3/5/2007
AAEP Convention 2006: Additional Topics  *
Western Performance Horse Forum The Western performance horse industry is growing at an astonishing rate, and along with that growth, there are unique health issues that need to be addressed. The Western Performance Horse Forum--moderated by Jerry Black, DVM, of Pioneer Equine Hospital in Oakdale, Calif., and Joe Carter, DVM, of Oklahoma Equine Hospital ... Read full story
 3/1/2007
Dentistry Series Part 3: Malocclusions  *
In the last two installments of this equine dental series, you've digested an overview of the basics of equine dentistry, and I hope you've gained an understanding of just why dental care for horses is rising to the forefront of equine veterinary medicine. You've also been indoctrinated into the intricacies of a thorough equine dental exam. It's a ... Read full story
 3/1/2007
Oral Examination of the Horse  *
Does your horse toss his head when loose, in hand, or under saddle? Does he fight the bit? Does he resist being bridled or haltered? Is he underweight despite proper feeding and deworming programs? These are just a few of the possible signs indicating your horse needs a quality oral exam by a competent veterinary medical provider. Horse owners must ... Read full story
 2/1/2007
Learning for Health (Equine Dentistry Education)  *
Lt. Col. L.A. Merillat, a renowned veterinary surgeon, described the differences in human and animal dentistry in a textbook over 100 years ago: "Human dentistry owes its existence to a single disease process, caries (cavities), while animal dentistry depends upon a single physical defect, enamel points (dental elongations)." While human dentistry ... Read full story
 1/1/2007
Dental Hygiene  *
Horse owners often ask me, "Doc, could you float my horse's teeth?" Horses do need their teeth floated on a regular schedule; the frequency might change with the horse's age. Something that doesn't change with age is the need for a thorough oral and dental examination. Floating means to smooth, and it's a term borrowed from the carpentry and masonry ... Read full story
 1/1/2007
Focus on Dentistry  *
Each year, the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) hosts a three-day meeting on a single topic in equine medicine or surgery. This year the topic was dentistry, and the meeting was held in Indianapolis, Ind., July 30-Aug. 1. Veterinarians from all over the world comprised the audience of 400. The strong attendance, the quality of the ... Read full story
 11/1/2006
Teeth Floater Files Suit Against Veterinary Group  *
Jim Johnson has been floating horses' teeth in Minnesota for some 20 years. His son, Christopher, would like to join the family business, but he cannot do so without violating state law. Enacted a year ago, Minnesota Statute § 156.075 defines "equine teeth floating" as the use of handheld and non-motorized equipment to remove enamel points from teeth, ... Read full story
 10/1/2006
Lay Equine Dentist Files Veterinary Practice Act Lawsuit in Minnesota  *
The Institute for Justice Minnesota Chapter has announced in a press release that it is challenging the state's veterinary licensing process on behalf of a lay (non-veterinarian) equine dentist who is referred to as a "teeth floater." Chris Johnson, the lay dentist, filed suit Aug. 16 in Minnesota's First Judicial District in Glencoe, Minn. (55 miles ... Read full story
 8/17/2006
Canada's Vet Definition Dilemmas  *
The Supreme Court of British Columbia's recent injunction prohibiting a farrier from practicing equine dentistry is the latest episode in an ongoing conflict between the veterinary associations of Canada's three westernmost provinces, animal owners, and industry stakeholders. The Court ruled Bill Bishop, who operated a busy equine dental business, ... Read full story
 8/15/2006
Mouth Ulceration
My 7-year-old Tennessee Walking Horse has developed ulcers on the bars of his mouth. They quickly resolved within a week of antiseptic mouth washes, but returned three weeks later. The bit is well-placed in his mouth and doesn't touch the affected area. His hay, grain, and turnout have remained the same. Any idea why this would happen? Betsy ... Read full story
 5/1/2006
AAEP Convention 2005: Dentistry Table Topic  *
Dentistry continues to be a popular topic of discussion among equine veterinarians; more than 100 attendees lined the walls in standing-room-only fashion during the Dentistry Table Topic session at the 2005 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, held Dec. 3-7 in Seattle, Wash. Topics of discussion included tooth sealants, incisor ... Read full story
 2/17/2006
AAEP Convention 2005: Horseman's Day Teeth  *
"A plain old float just isn't good enough anymore," explained Mary DeLorey, DVM, owner of Northwest Equine Dentistry in Washington, during the 51st Annual AAEP Convention, in Seattle, Wash., Dec. 3-7, 2005. A demand for more comprehensive dental care has fueled advances in diagnostic tools, treatments, equipment, and research. "Owners are increasingly ... Read full story
 2/17/2006
AAEP Convention 2005: How To Repair Incisors  *
Mandible (lower jaw) and premaxillary (upper jaw) fractures are common equine head injuries, according to David Moll, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, professor of large animal clinical sciences at Oklahoma State University. There are many described techniques to repair theses types of fractures, including interdental wiring, intermedullary pins, lag screws, external ... Read full story
 2/17/2006
2006 Focus on Dentistry Call for Papers  *
The American Association of Equine Practitioners is now accepting submissions for its 2006 Focus meeting, which will be held in Indianapolis, Ind., July 30-Aug. 1. The program will be a comprehensive three-day course on equine dentistry that will include new research on dental-related topics, practical care discussions, and timely practice tips. Veterinarians, ... Read full story
 11/16/2005
Working Horse Dentistry  *
Equine dentistry started centuries ago with filing horses’ teeth, but it was not until the past decade that motorized dental instrumentation coupled with research allowed vast improvements. These advances have helped all horses, but performance or working horses have seen the most benefit. Why is dentistry particularly important in horses that are ... Read full story
 11/1/2005
Cure For a Toothache  *
Abby is a Tennessee Walking Horse mare who was recently purchased by a Virginia family as a 5-year-old and shipped there from Tennessee to train and show. A dental examination six months after purchase found that her right and left lower first cheek teeth, 306 and 406 on the Triadan numbering system (a system used consistently to number teeth across ... Read full story
 11/1/2005
Dental Plan for the Working Horse  *
Routine equine dental care is important for three reasons, says David O. Klugh, DVM, Fellow in the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry, owner of Equine Dental Associates in Yamhill, Ore.: Making sure deciduous teeth come out and adult teeth erupt in proper alignment; Maximizing tooth longevity; and Addressing causes of immediate pain. It's the ... Read full story
 11/1/2005
Tumors of Dental Origin   *
Odontomas are benign tumors that arise from dental tissue in an animal's mouth. These tumors can be quite invasive, most commonly affecting the maxilla or cheekbone. They can be surgically removed, but the procedure requires aggressive, extensive resection of bone, tissue, and sometimes teeth. Surgeons from Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine, ... Read full story
 6/1/2005
Dental Floating Value   *
Maintaining dental health is believed to be critical to optimum feed intake, digestive tract health, and body condition. In Western Canada, there are about 70,000 PMU mares that usually don't get routine dental care. Researchers from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan decided to see if dental floating could ... Read full story
 5/1/2005
AAEP Convention 2004 Wrap-Up: Horseman's Day   *
Horseman's Day, as part of the annual American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, just keeps getting better and better. And attendance is strong no matter where the convention is held. Most recently, the locale was Denver, Colo., on Dec. 8, and nearly 275 horse enthusiasts showed up for the day-long session. In addition to presentations ... Read full story
 3/3/2005
AAEP Convention 2004: Horseman's Day--Dentistry  *
Mary DeLorey, DVM, owner of Northwest Equine Dentistry in Washington, began Horseman's Day at the 50th annual American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Convention in Denver, Colo., Dec. 4-8, 2004, with a presentation titled "Everything You Wanted to Know About Equine Dentistry." "Just a float isn't enough anymore," she told her listeners. ... Read full story
 2/14/2005
Veterinarians: Donate Your Unwanted Dental Tools at the AAEP Convention  *
The Christian Veterinary Mission (CVM) is in great need of dental floats to be used on horses in Haiti. A project to begin dental work on horses in Haiti has been scheduled for early spring of 2005. Should you happen to have any old floats laying around that are not needed, please bring them along with you to the AAEP convention in Denver, Colo., and ... Read full story
 11/22/2004
Equine Dentistry Position Statement   *
The board of directors of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) has approved a revised organizational position statement on equine dentistry. The revised position was prepared by the AAEP Equine Dentistry Committee and approved by the board at its July 2004 meeting. The original dentistry statement was drafted in 1995. Here is the ... Read full story
 11/1/2004
Dental Professionals Available   *
There is, of late, much discussion amongst horse owners and the horse industry in general about the practice of equine veterinary dentistry by unlicensed lay individuals. Some feel that laws should not restrict the horse owner in their choice of service providers. Some have even stated that most equine veterinarians know little if anything about dentistry ... Read full story
 11/1/2004
AAEP Updates Equine Dentistry Position Statement  *
The board of directors of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) has approved a revised organizational position statement on equine dentistry. The revised position was prepared by the AAEP Equine Dentistry Committee and approved by the board at its July 2004 meeting. The original dentistry statement was drafted in 1995. Here is the ... Read full story
 9/27/2004
Changes in Horse Dentistry   *
We all want our horses to have comfort, enhanced performance, more nutrition efficiency, and even a good chance of living longer. So we're all glad to see the changes that are occurring in the field of equine dentistry, a long-neglected part of horse health care that is now, fortunately, coming back into prominence. The Good--Veterinarians have been ... Read full story
 9/1/2004
Deserving of Dentistry   *
There may be no branch of equine veterinary medicine that is advancing as quickly as equine dentistry. As recently as a decade ago, it was still considered adequate to feel along the sides of a horse's first upper cheek teeth and decide, based on sharpness alone, whether that horse needed a "float." If treatment was deemed necessary, it consisted of ... Read full story
 7/1/2004
Alberta Court Upholds Farrier's Right to Float Horse Teeth   *
The technicalities of defining veterinary medicine were tested in February in the Alberta, Canada, Court of Appeal when three appeal court justices ruled that a farrier was not guilty of illegally practicing veterinary medicine when he floated horses' teeth as a service to horse owners. According to reports in The Western Producer, an agricultural ... Read full story
 5/1/2004
Prevention for the Masses   *
Veterinary care doesn't come cheap. While conscientious horse owners realize that disease prevention is ultimately cheaper than disease treatment, when you have five, or 15, or 50 horses to care for and limits on your budget, you need to look closely and think carefully about where to best spend your hard-earned dollars in order to obtain maximum protection ... Read full story
 1/1/2004
Jutted Jaw in a Foal
Q: Our foal was born with something that our veterinarian called a "jutted jaw." Can you provide any information on this condition and what, if anything, needs to be done about it? Jody A: If by "jutted jaw" you are referring to a mandible (lower jaw) that is longer than the maxilla (top), it is uncommon. The term I have heard more frequently ... Read full story
 1/1/2004
Brushing Horses' Teeth
Q: Is there anything we can use on a horse's teeth to get all the gunk off and the grass out of their gums? Is it okay to use toothpaste? Chantel A: Horses' teeth are not completely covered in smooth, hard enamel, like dogs, cats, or humans. Instead, they are largely covered with a material called cementum, which is a little softer and much ... Read full story
 11/1/2003
Foaming at the Mouth
Q: My friend's 3-year-old filly plays with her tongue so much that she foams at the mouth (without a bit). She also plays with the rails in her stalls at feeding time such that she has foam all over. She is not cribbing or sucking air. What could be the problem? via e-mail A: Between the ages of 2 1/2 and 3 1/2 years, most horses will shed ... Read full story
 4/1/2003
New Equine Dentist for the University of Florida   *
Toots Banner, DVM, an equine veterinary dentist, was recently hired by the University of Florida’s Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital to provide service to clients on-site and in the field. Banner said, “Unlike the farrier, whose work is out in front for everyone to see, the work of anyone who is doing equine dentistry is literally out of sight,” ... Read full story
 3/24/2003
Braces for Horses?
Q: I read in another magazine that you can have braces put on a horse for an overbite. Naturally, in the article there was no contact information. How can I find out about this? I have a super nice filly that is show quality except for the overbite. If you could help me find out where to start looking for a qualified person to do it, I would really ... Read full story
 3/1/2003
AAEP Convention: Dentistry  *
DENTISTRY TABLE TOPIC "Dental Concerns of Older Horses" was the focus of one lunchtime Table Topic, with subjects ranging from diet selection to systemic illness to sedation. With veterinarians filling all seats and standing against the walls, discussion was lively at times. "Don't be too quick to assume that if an old horse is in bad shape, ... Read full story
 3/1/2003
AAEP Convention: Horseman's Day  *
Horseman's Day, held for the third time as part of the annual AAEP convention, was another rousing success. Helping stimulate the interest and enthusiasm was the quality of the speakers. They couched their talks in terms the average horse owner could understand, but they certainly didn't talk down to them. It was the right mixture of scientific terminology ... Read full story
 3/1/2003
AAEP 2002: Could Power Dentistry Equipment Cause Harm?  *
The use of power equipment in the field of equine dentistry has been a great aid to equine practitioners. One advantage is that it lets the practitioner complete major dental corrections before sedation wears off. However, could these power tools be harming horses' teeth? According to a recent study done by Gordon Baker, BVSc, PhD, MRCVS, Dipl. ACVS, ... Read full story
 1/28/2003
Surgical Removal of Bone Spurs Caused by Bit Damage  *
If your horse is tossing his head or hanging his tongue out while being ridden, going “behind the vertical,” or bearing into the bit, then bone spurs might be the reason. Bone spurs are inflammations of the membrane of fibrous connective tissue that covers the mandible. They usually occur between the corner incisor and second premolar (interdental ... Read full story
 1/21/2003
AAEP 2002: A New Look at Dental Radiology  *
“We now look and are able to see more clearly,” said Jack Easley, DVM, MS, Dipl. ABVP, a general practitioner in Shelbyville, Ky., about the use of open-mouth radiographs in the field to understand equine dental problems. In his presentation, “A New Look at Dental Radiology” at the 2002 American Association of Equine Practitioner’s (AAEP) Convention, ... Read full story
 1/15/2003
Horseman's Day at the 2002 AAEP Convention  *
Horseman’s Day, held for the third time as part of the annual AAEP convention, was another rousing success. There weren’t as many people in attendance as there were in San Diego last year, but they were just as enthusiastic. AAEP officials said that 266 were in attendance at the Orlando session compared to 400-plus last year and about 200 when the ... Read full story
 12/17/2002
AAEP 2002 Geriatric Dentistry Table Topic  *
"Dental Care and Management of the Geriatric Patient" was the focus of one lunchtime Table Topic on Dec. 5, with topics ranging from diet selection to systemic illness to sedation. With veterinarians filling all seats and standing against the walls, discussion was lively at times, with practitioners asking questions and discussing their relevant experiences. "Don’t ... Read full story
 12/12/2002
Periodontal Disease in Horses   *
University veterinary hospitals and private practitioners have begun to treat and prevent periodontal disease in horses with a new piece of dental equipment called the Equine Dental System. The Universities of Georgia (UGa), Illinois, and California (Davis) are working with the equipment developer and dental equipment companies to study the benefits ... Read full story
 12/1/2002
Year by Year, Tooth by Tooth   *
It makes little difference if you are new to horse ownership or a seasoned professional, you probably aren't as familiar as you would like to be with the expanding field of equine dentistry. Horse owners have many questions about proper dental care for their equine charges. "My horse is only three years old. He doesn't need his teeth looked at...does ... Read full story
 11/1/2002
Advances in Equine Dentistry   *
It often is very difficult to break free from old customs, habits, and traditions. This holds especially true in the horse world. Horsekeeping is steeped in the rich traditions of a long, colorful history. Many of these time-honored customs should be treasured and preserved; but others can impede the development and dissemination of veterinary knowledge. ... Read full story
 11/1/2002
Periodontal Disease in Horses Becomes a Priority  *
University veterinary hospitals and private practitioners have begun to treat and prevent periodontal disease in horses with a new piece of dental equipment called the Equine Dental System. The Universities of Georgia, Illinois, and California (Davis) are working in partnership with the developer of the equipment, a pharmaceutical company, and a dental ... Read full story
 10/30/2002
Providing Care for Your Senior Horse  *
Not all that long ago, a horse in his teens was considered old. Today in many undeveloped countries, this is still considered to be the case. But in the sophisticated horse world, what is considered "old?" We consider a horse to be "aged" when he crosses over into his 20s. However, it's not just the human life span that has been lengthened by good ... Read full story
 8/1/2002
Dental Correction and Feed Digestibility  *
According to a report published in the Equine Veterinary Journal, equine dental abnormalities are among the top five most common medical problems encountered by equine veterinarians. Clinical evidence has shown that horses with severe tooth hooks and points that were corrected gained weight and stopped quidding (dropping feed). This can improve digestibility ... Read full story
 3/13/2002
AAEP Convention 2001: Bits and Bitting   *
"The way to ride a horse," Dwight Bennett, DVM, PhD, professor emeritus at Colorado State University, told his listeners in a session on Bits and Bitting, "is with the seat of your pants and your legs." The session on bits was something of a departure from normal AAEP programs as it offered a practical approach in learning how to place the appropriate ... Read full story
 2/1/2002
More Than a Toothache  *
Many practitioners have developed great dental skills and have expanded their dental services. However, clients aren't using them! Dental care is more that just "floating" teeth. There are many steps you can integrate into your program to improve your horse's dental health. Step 1: Know Your Horse's Mouth Horses evolved as grazing animals, and ... Read full story
 10/16/2001
Understanding Your Horse's Teeth  *
Horses have a unique dental structure. Their teeth are divided into two major sections: the incisors, which are the teeth seen in the front of the horse's mouth, and the cheek teeth, made up of the premolars and molars. The molars and premolars are lined up tightly against each other, creating the appearance of one chewing surface. This alignment of ... Read full story
 10/5/2001
Baby Teeth  *
Perhaps one of the most neglected aspects of equine health, until a problem manifests itself, is the monitoring and care of a young horse's baby teeth. After all, they are only temporary and are shed at various stages to make way for permanent teeth. Right? True, but there is more to the story. Baby teeth can have problems along the way that might ... Read full story
 3/1/2001
Bizarre Behavior  *
We have a new problem with our old family pony. Pokey is a Shetland gelding that we have had since our first of five daughters was five years old. We figured he was about 10 years old in 1978 when we got him, so he is now just over 30. Pokey has always been an absolute joy of a character--no care, laid back, 100% trustworthy around kids, and there ... Read full story
 1/1/2001
Thoughts on Equine Dentistry  *
I believe very few aspects of equine health care have attracted as much attention and advanced as rapidly in the past five years as the practice of equine dentistry. There have been rapid technological developments in the equipment and methodology of floating teeth, and a renewed understanding and interest in maintaining proper dental alignment for ... Read full story
 1/1/2001
Pay Me Now or Pay Me Later  *
A television commercial ended with this rather succinct comment by a smiling service station owner, "You can pay me now, or you can pay me later." The thrust of the message was that if automobile owners didn't spend the money up front on maintenance and servicing, it would cost them a good deal later in the form of major repair work. It is a lot like ... Read full story
 11/1/2000
Health Scheduling  *
For first-time horse owners, getting a new horse can border on the overwhelming. You have to find a suitable boarding barn or create adequate stabling on your own property and buy tack, grooming equipment, cooling sheets and/or blankets. You have to provide for proper nutrition and feeding schedules. Then you've got to arrange for regular veterinary ... Read full story
 8/1/2000
Long in the Tooth  *
Old age treats some horses better than others. Many continue to lead happy, healthy lives well into their 30s--a little slower, maybe, with some loss of muscle tone or a bit of a swayback, but otherwise in good flesh and good spirits until they're well past the Age of Majority. But we've all seen geriatric horses who suffer a debilitating decline. ... Read full story
 7/1/2000
Cuisine For The Golden Years
Is your horse old enough to vote? Then he's an equine senior citizen by some standards. These days that's not so rare; more and more horses are living into their 20s and 30s, and even beyond. This is a direct result of the improved level of veterinary care we've been able to provide for the last 30 years or so. In particular, the availability ... Read full story
 5/1/2000
Does Your Horse Need a Dentist?  *
True story: A woman bought a warmblood gelding and enjoyed a relatively low-maintenance first year of ownership, during which time she dutifully paid for routine veterinary, hoof, and dental care. She and her horse then moved to a neighboring state, and a short time later the horse began tossing his head vigorously in the left-lead canter. Puzzled ... Read full story
 3/1/2000
Equine Dental Care is More Than Just Floating Teeth  *
When you schedule an appointment for yourself at the dentist’s office, you usually mark off a whole afternoon on your calendar. You have X rays, get a thorough cleaning of each and every tooth, maybe get a tooth or two filled—and you almost always receive a lecture on how you need to floss more. Although it seems tedious, you know routine checkups ... Read full story
 10/1/1999
Dental Examination
I have a Morgan mare who, I think, might have something wrong with her teeth. What should I expect from a dental examination for my horse? ANNE M. EBERHARDT The age and use of the horse will influence the type of dental examination that needs to be performed. The veterinarian and the owner need to discuss what the owner wants and expects ... Read full story
 3/1/1999
Equine Dentistry Update  *
One of the oldest of adages in the horse world is, "No feet, no horse." We could add another that is just as appropriate, "No teeth, no horse." The teeth are one of the most important parts of a horse's anatomy, yet they often are neglected. Many horse owners make regular trips to the dentist to have their teeth cleaned, cavities filled, and, in some ... Read full story
 9/1/1998
He's Only as Old as He Feels  *
Advances in medicine and health care have boosted the average human life span from 45 years in the early 1900s to 72 or more years in the 1990s. Parallel advances in veterinary medicine, and horse owners' willingness to care for their horses beyond their utility, also have increased equine longevity. While most individuals are aware that humans are ... Read full story
 2/1/1997




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