28/07/2026
We are coming to the end of our dental special month and want to say a big thank-you to our clients for your wonderful support and for welcoming Dr Imi so warmly!
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get for those of you wondering what horse dentals are all about 🦷
🐴 Why are Dental Exams important for horses?
Regular dental exams are essential throughout their life, as horse teeth are always growing. Horses don’t have the privilege of being able to do daily dental care like their people-parents do, so we must do it for them ☺️
🐴 What is periodontal disease?
Often shortened to ‘perio’, this is the most common disease of all mammals, and involves inflammation and progressive loss of the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone surrounding each tooth.
🐴 Why must my horse be sedated?
A calm, relaxed horse allows a thorough oral exam and treatment to be provided. It is safer for you, your horse and the vet.
🐴 Will my horse fall over from sedation?
No, we use different medications to completely anaesthetise horses than that to sedate for dental exams 🙂
Our vets are also incredibly careful to monitor exactly which medications are suitable for each horse (e.g those with heart conditions, the very young or geriatric, stallions vs mares, if they are competing soon, or those requiring more pain relief, deeper relaxation, and or need to keep the tongue still).
🐴 My horse isn’t showing signs of pain, yet
supposedly has lots of pathology?
Horses are prey animals so often they won’t show signs of pain even if they have severe tooth pain, such as a fractured tooth. It is a survival instinct remaining from their days in the wild!
🐴 My horse has been receiving dental exams for years, why does he need all these extra treatments?
Dr’s Greg, Katrina and Katherine have all been providing high quality routine dentals but now with advances in Veterinary dentistry and Dr Imi on board (plus a few extra equipment purchases 😉) we are now able to offer advanced treatments in the field.
🐴 What extra training has Dr Imi done?
Dr Imi has completed Levels 1 - 3 of Dr Oliver Liyou’s courses at his Equine Veterinary & Dental Services in Grafton. Here, she trained under Dr Oli, Dr Gary Wilson and Dr Denis Verwilghen - with additional support from other respected ambulatory equine vets.
Many of you would have received dentals from Dr Oliver Liyou over the years that he serviced the Northern Rivers region. Our receptionist, Keighley Leeson, who many would also know, has organised several dental days that have been a cornerstone to our local equine community! Dr Imi is keen to carry on high standards of dentistry for your horses and her philosophy is that high standards of care should be affordable to all.
Over the coming weeks we will delve into some of the advanced procedures as well as introductory pricing 🐎
