Pewter was just given a sedative and is starting to get sleepy.
This contraption looks very medieval, but it keeps the mouth open so the vet can start filing. And no, it doesn't hurt the horse. 
An electric filer is used first. 
After the electric file is done, the medieval contraption comes off and it is time to use a hand filer. 
One last check to make sure all the teeth have been filed. The whole process took about half an hour.
Pewter is resting in her stall for about an hour or so until she comes all the way out of the sedative.
The video is of the vet using the electric file. If you don't like the sound of a dentists drill ( because that is what it sounds like), then please don't watch.
Until next time......................
Does your Vet do all the wormings and stuff too? while he's there? On May 6th, we're loading up several of the goats and transporting them to a Farm Vet that is an hour one way. Farm Vets around here are few and far between.
ReplyDeleteJoanna, my vet does everything. But, to be cost effective I take care of the worming, minor medical stuff, etc... I can do the vaccines myself, but since he was coming out to do Pewter's teeth I took the easy way and had the vet do it! There are probably about a dozen or so farm vets around. Some I wouldn't let touch a dead animal! I have high standards when it comes to vets and farrier. Have had the same farrier forever because he is the best.The previous vet was good in the beginning, but something changed in him which I didn't like so no longer use him. I would have thought there would be a lot of vets in your neck of the woods.
ReplyDeleteI think I'll skip the video. I've seen enough floating in my life. My mares were very good about it, but, I had a gelding, Stormy, who fought it, even through the sedative. It was horrifying to watch, and I was always afraid that the vet was going to get hurt. Good old Stormy. I loved him dearly, but, he was a giant pain in the neck sometimes.
ReplyDeletePhew! Ok I skipped the video part....I am horrified of the dentist myself and sure didn't need the sound effects lol I am sure it is a great video....maybe one day lol.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! Just when you think you've seen everything . . . I was amazed that Pewter didn't fall over. I'm not knowledgeable about horses and I didn't know they had to have their teeth filed! You are indeed lucky that you have a farm vet, as we haven't been able to find one in our corner of N. Texas. I believe there is a local equine vet, but nobody for our 28 sheep, goats, alpacas, or LGDs. It would be so nice to have someone we could call upon if necessary. Anyway, thanks for your blog and for taking such good care of your animal family. Ken and Mary of Fancy Fibers Farm
ReplyDeleteGreat pics, great video. Everyone needs their doctor & dentist appointments! I just got done trimming my indoor cat's toenails - we all need our maintenance! ~Lynn
ReplyDeleteI remember this too from my long ago days with horses. It's so great that you have a good vet and farrier that you can trust. Hope Pewter is feeling like new money by now. -- Inger
ReplyDeleteWe have a vet who does the floating, she is pretty good! But we always bring the horse to the vets office. They put the horse in stantions and cross ties to hold the head up when they get sleepy. Lots less bouncing around and no stress on a humans back! (Cindy I'm feeling for whoever was hold Pewters head!) An interesting note too; most people think that it is only older horses that need their teeth floated. However they should start having them checked by the time they are 4-5 years old and MAY need to have them floated by the age of 6.
ReplyDeletePewter's head must have weighed a ton after a while ... Thanks for the video and all the info ... I was at work when Remi's teeth were done ... Daughter takes care of him ... I am learning all the new terms too.
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