When to call

Prevention is the absolute key to keeping your equid in optimal condition, that's why we will recommend a regular schedule of prophylactic treatment approximately every 6, 9 or 12 months. There may be times when examination is required more frequently, but this will always be discussed at the time of our visit.

It is important not to wait until there are signs of dental issues (especially in donkeys and mules) as often disease is advanced by the time signs present. It's also important to recognise those quirks of behaviour that 'he's always done' may well be signs of discomfort.

Could your horse, pony, donkey or mule have a Dental Problem?

Common signs;

• Quidding (dropping partially chewed balled up food)

• Change in feeding behaviour (slow eating, strange action, spilling, sham eating, pouching, dunking feed/forage into water, inappetance/anorexia - remember this is an emergency for ponies and donkeys)

• Ridden issues including chronic and acute changes in behaviour (from tacking up to riding/driving and issues with contact)

• Head shy/head shaking

• Malodorous (foul smelling) breath

• Loss of Condition

• Remember, a lot of dental disease in its early to mid stages may not result in obvious signs, especially in donkeys, yet the best treatment outcomes are the ones applied at those early stages. The best strategy is to employ the right people throughout your equids life starting from a young age in order to perform high quality, prophylactic (preventative) treatments at regular intervals.