Well the dentist came to see to the horses week before last. Dainty (after a bit of persuasion) allowed him to use the power tool in her mouth. She needs her teeth brushing as her gums are receding and food is getting trapped. Well let me tell you that was fun trying to brush her teeth! Lewis eventually managed to get them done. Mulls was fine - his bite may need some correcting next year due to age but on the whole his mouth was fine.
Sadie's bite has locked again. I could kick myself as about 4 years ago this was discovered and under sedation it was corrected. She then had 6 monthly visits from the dentist and we kept on top of it. But then moving to the farm and not really doing much with her and then using someone who is not a true equine dentist last year who visited the yard I completely forgot about it. But a few months ago she started getting really iffy in her head / mouth and started chewing / mouthing objects like her lead rope, bucket - anything really and was really locked on the left rein. She has also had a few episodes of choke as if she is not chewing her hay properly. So, I contacted my old dentist who came out to see them. He is really good - he trains other dentists and therefore his schedule is very busy. We had to wait two months for our appointment. As the procedure that Sadie needed doing required a much bigger power tool she needed sedating. He could come back out end of October or I could take her to a monthly clinic in a neighbouring town. Que me booking the morning off and a friend came with and we trundled off to this yard to have her teeth sorted. Basically her jaw neither moved side or side or up and down (if you moved the jaw around) the teeth were wedged together in the bite.
It is easily corrected and took about 15 mins. On arrival we had to wait our turn in a stall - she was such a good girl.
The vet arrived, asked me if she had been sedated before - I said yes and she asked how much sedation she normally has ?? !! What !! I said I dont know my vet always just gives it and gets it right. She didnt listen to the horses heart - ask any history - weigh her - nothing! Bam - sedation in. Sadie was very wobbly - I thought she might fall over but I was assured she was fine! Thats ok to say when its not your horse that may fall down on concrete. Anyway moving on - she was put in a special halter thingy that held her head up and the dentist did his job.
Vet presented me with a bill and told me to record in her passport the dosage. I think not - horse seemed far too groggy. Anyway she took about 15 mins to come out and when she heard another horse she started neighing really loudly and after I had walked her around a bit I loaded her up and went home. She was still actually a bit groggy coming off the trailer ramp but once she realised she was home she seemed fine.
So we are back to 6 monthly visits for now to see how it goes. I have not had a chance to ride her yet but I am sure she will be much more comfortable. I am off on holiday for a week so will crack on when I get back.
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