Dentistry
North Bridge Equine has many years of experience in equine dental care and provides a wide range of dental services, including dental floating, oral exams, radiographs, and tooth extractions. An oral exam is performed on each patient using an oral speculum and an appropriate level of standing sedation. The mild sedation allows for a comprehensive exam while keeping your horse comfortable and calm during the procedure. North Bridge Equine has invested in a cutting edge and top quality float system fitted with water cooling capability which safely reduces sharp dental points within the mouth while protecting the teeth from thermal injury.
In horses with abnormalities identified on oral exam, radiographs can provide valuable diagnostic insight. Radiographs of the skull allow a more detailed exam of the tooth roots, bone quality associated with the cheek teeth, and incisors as well as the sinus compartments.
Dental abnormalities in the horse can cause a wide range of symptoms which may include:
- Difficulty chewing
- Sudden change in appetite
- Resistance to bit contact, head shaking or altered head carriage in relation to bit contact
- Weight loss
- Colic
- Esophageal obstruction ( choke)
- Ulcerations/trauma to the cheek or tongue
- Foul smelling breath and oral nasal discharge
- Wading or quidding hay/Dropping grain
