16th April, 2015 Sick to the Back Teeth

Pretty blonde Norwegian Fjord pony, Ruby was meant to be coming to us tomorrow for ridden training. Instead of that, she is confined to barracks and on a heavy course of antibiotics from the vet. Following my advice, her owner had her teeth checked by a qualified equine dentist who discovered that he back teeth were so sharp that they had caused extensive ulceration and an infection in her mouth. Poor horse. This wouldn't be such a surprise to the owner if she hadn't been told that the horse had seen a dentist within the last four months. Either that wasn't true or that person didn't do a very thorough job.

I'm always rather sceptical and worried when people revere dentists who not only don't use sedation but also don't use a dental gag. Horses' teeth go a long way back and it is impossible to check them properly without being able to open the mouth sufficiently. The examination itself may be more comfortable for the horse but the back teeth may be in all sorts of trouble as in Ruby's case.

Ruby's sick note means that we do have room for another pony to start or resolve ridden problems.  Please contact me for details.