Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, located in Lexington, Ky., will host an equine dentistry clinic from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 29 in the Rood & Riddle Podiatry building. Horse owners are invited to schedule an appointment for their horse or horses to have an oral exam by Brad Tanner, DVM, at no charge. After the examination, any recommended procedures will be explained and discussed with owner, and performed only with the owner’s permission. Each appointment will provide adequate time to complete routine dental floating or other minor procedures. If more extensive dental work is required, it will be scheduled for another time. Payment is required at the time of service for routine dental floating or any other procedures performed during the clinic. Owners participating in the dentistry clinic will receive discount coupons on purchases from the Rood & Riddle Veterinary Pharmacy.

Dentistry is an important part of the overall health and well-being of the horse. Routine dental re-equilibration (floating) performed by a knowledgeable and experienced practitioner can alleviate pain and prevent many dental disorders. It is recommended that adult horses have their teeth "floated" once per year and that horses younger than 5 have teeth “floated” twice per year. In younger horses it is important to evaluate the development of permanent teeth as well as the shedding of immature teeth (caps). Geriatric horses have their own special needs and should be evaluated annually or more often if colic, choke or other medical concerns arise