Dentistry

How much does it cost to float my horse

Have you ever called your dentist and asked what it would cost to fix your teeth? If he had not had the opportunity to look into your mouth, he would not be able to give you an answer. The same is true for your horse. Each horse’s mouth is unique and the cost to address the particular needs of your horse will depend upon not only what is found during a dental examination but also on the age of the horse, what the horse is used for, and what kind of bit you use.

We begin our dental examinations with newborns. Some foals are born with dental problems that can be corrected if caught early and treated properly. The next critical time for your horse is prior to the onset of training. Baby teeth can be very sharp, so if the outside of those teeth at the front of the horse’s mouth are sharp, injuries to the cheek can occur when the rings and bar of the bit push the cheek into the molar teeth. Similarly, wolf teeth will irritate the cheek, making your horse’s initial experience with a bit unpleasant.

Between 2 ½ and 5 years, your horse will loose 24 baby teeth and erupt permanent teeth in their place. Delayed or slow shedding of the baby teeth can be uncomfortable and cause your horse to become preoccupied with its mouth when you want the horse’s focus to be on you, the trainer.

Once the permanent molars are in wear, we pay special attention to those first few cheek teeth in the front of the mouth to prevent injury from the bit to the cheek and tongue. This concern is not a factor for brood mares and many pleasure horses that are ridden on a loose rein.

Horses of all ages develop enamel points on the outside of their upper teeth and on the inside of their lower teeth. This occurs as the horse’s teeth wear. Correcting enamel points and other abnormal wear patterns can prevent premature loss of teeth.

In summary, your horse’s mouth is a very dynamic and complicated food processing machine. There are a wide variety of abnormal wear patterns that can develop.Your horse’s comfort and willingness to perform can be influenced by his teeth. Let your veterinarian know the type of riding you do and what bit you use on your horse.

Your First Visit is FREE

Sign up now

Office Hours

Monday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonial

  • "Phenomenal veterinarians and excellent service! I appreciated the care the vets and technicians took for each and every one of my animals. Their attention to detail and concern for the well being of my stock was much appreciated."
    Jamel Perkins / Gilham

Featured Articles

Contact Us