Kerrie Hart BAEDT Equine Dental Technician

07/01/2025

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OLD HORSES CAN DIE OF STARVATION IF NOT GIVEN FEED THEY CAN CHEW

Many owners see their elderly horses or ponies getting thinner and thinner despite some bucket concentrate feed, and might assume that 'it's just their age'. These owners often have no idea that all the horse needs is feed in a form that the horse can eat.

Most elderly horses lose weight because they cannot chew very well, and this might be despite good, regular dental care. Horses' teeth grow continuously throughout their lives and will eventually loosen and fall out. They literally 'run out' of teeth. Even those with teeth left can struggle to chew enough conserved forage (hay/haylage) to maintain condition, because the grinding surfaces of the teeth become smoother.

If these horses are fed just concentrates - especially low-fibre conditioning or veteran feeds - they will struggle, because they will be fibre-deficient.

Older horses who gradually get thinner must have their forage (hay, haylage and eventually grass) replaced with ground fibre sources, soaked to a mash, and eventually may need 100% of their feed from a bag.

It is ignorance, rather than cruelty to let a very old - but otherwise healthy - horse get very thin. But it is absolutely 100% avoidable with the knowledge of what to feed!

The grey horse reflects how older horses can end up looking if they don't have their long forage replaced with chewable alternatives.

The dun pony is how an older horse (late 30s) can look despite having lost most of their teeth, when fed 6kg forage-replacement feeds daily

You can claim a free article on feeding older horses and ponies (simply comment feeding oldies below) AND I'm delivering a webinar on this very subject next week. See the link in the comments for more details!

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🐴🍏

23/12/2024

🎄🎄MERRY CHRISTMAS🎄🎄
Wishing all of My wonderful clients a lovely Christmas!
I'm having a couple of Days off until the 28th but if anyone would like booked in give me a msg, bits and pieces of availability prior to 2025

28/11/2024

💰 PRICE INCRESE 💰

It's been a few years since I increased my prices, but as of Jan 2025 I will be having to do so. There is still some availability in December and I will be working up to Christmas and New Year if anyone would like an appointment in the holidays.

07742279280

Thanks Kerrie

10/10/2024

OUT OF THE OFFICE
Please bear with me if I'm slow at responding to everyone this week. I'm having a week away 🌞 Anyone looking to book in can still get in touch.

03/10/2024

03/10/2024

Mind the gap! 🔍🦷

A diastema (singular) or diastemata (plural) refers to an abnormal space between teeth. Normally, horses have six cheek teeth in each dental arcade, tightly positioned to function as a single grinding unit. However, if a gap exists between these teeth then food can become trapped. A UK study indicated that 49.9% of horses of all ages are affected. The prevalence of diastemata increases in horses over the age of 15.

Diastemata are classified into two types:

Primary Diastemata

These are developmental in nature and can occur due to improper rostral-caudal angulation, dental buds that are too far apart, or teeth that are developmentally displaced or rotated.

Secondary Diastemata

These are acquired and may result from tooth displacement, pressure from occlusal overgrowths, drifting teeth following extraction, or the natural tapering of teeth with age, leading to senile diastemata.

There are two types of diastemata based on the gap's shape:

Open Diastema: The gap is the same width from top to bottom.

Valve Diastema: The top of the gap is narrower than the bottom, which can cause food impaction.

If food becomes impacted then bacteria can proliferate leading to gingivitis, and the breakdown of periodontal ligaments causing periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is considered the most painful condition in the horses mouth. Signs of periodontal disease includes quidding, halitosis, and in severe cases, weight loss.

The treatment of diastemata should be approached on a case-by-case basis. First steps include clearing any impacted food and good quality dentistry. In some cases, further intervention and referral to a veterinary surgeon may be necessary. More advanced treatments involve using materials to bridge the diastemata, preventing food from becoming trapped and promoting gum healing. In cases of valve diastemata, mechanically widening the top of the gap can facilitate less trapping of food material, which can be an effective solution. In some severe cases of displaced teeth, extraction may also be an option. Additionally, dietary adjustments may be required.

Every diastema is individual, therefore it’s important to discuss with your EDT regarding long term management.

02/10/2024

🍂🍁 Now is a great time to have your horse's dental checks, especially for the golden oldies! Ensure they are at their best before winter arrives. I'm booking up into November at the moment so please get in touch ahead of time if possible to ensure availability. 🍁🍂
07742279280

24/09/2024

✨FAQ Friday ✨

28/08/2024

The so called "summer" holidays are drawing to a close, it won't be long before the children are back to school In our area. My diary has some availability in Sept and Oct but it is getting rather busy so if you would like booked in for your horse's dental please drop me a message.
Also I've started covering some areas in the NorthEast so please spread the word. Thanks Kerrie 😊

12/08/2024

Well the children's summer holidays are in full swing so I have a few days away planned. I am in all areas in the next couple of weeks so please message for last minute availability as there are a few appointments available here and there 😊 07742279280

15/07/2024

📆 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 📆

Please feel free to share.

I'm have some availability on the following dates...

WEST CUMBRIA (workington etc)
17th July

STRANREAR/NEWTON STEWART 24th July

DUMFRIES AND SURROUNDING AREAS 26th July.

BAEDT QUALIFIED, FULLY INSURED
07742279280

04/07/2024

A Question which is asked regularly on social media is who does everyone recommend as a Horse Dentist?

It's frustrating seeing unqualified EDTs (horse dentists) being named in these posts. Not only have those of us who have qualified been through examinations and continually have our standard of work checked, ONLY qualified EDTs have professional indemnity insurance, so the unqualified EDTs may say they are insured however they are only insured for Public Liability meaning any work they carry out in your horses mouth is not insured if they muck it up and the horse ends up with a dramatic vets bill! ALSO If your horse is insured and has to have veterinary treatment for a tooth problem, the insurance company will not cough up if you use and unqualified EDT! So please check who's qualified with BAEDT below

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⭐️BAEDT Members list 2024⭐️

If you’re looking for a qualified professional for your equine dental care then look no further 💫

⭐️ BEVA/BVDA Qualified
⭐️ Fully insured
⭐️ Attends regular CPD
⭐️ Adheres to a strict code of conduct
⭐️ Dedicated to equine welfare

The simplest way to locate a BAEDT member in your area is to visit ➡️ www.baedt.com

11/06/2024

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Together we can improve equine welfare.

Share and tag a horse owner you know 🐎

Every equine deserves thorough lifelong dental care.

All BAEDT members are trained and examined to the highest standards.

12/04/2024

Fabulous day teaching on our BAEDT student course in Lincolnshire. Some interesting cases today and we got to have a play with the scope. Top bonus the great ball in the sky actually made an appearance 🌞🌞 huge thank you to our wonderful members who joined us today to pass down their knowledge to the students!

10/04/2024

Another busy month of equine dentistry, many clients having their pre season checks. If you would like your horses checked please get in touch either on here or via 07742279280. The area I cover is highlighted in the map below.

Qualified with BAEDT and fully insured.

10/04/2024

A question I get asked regularly is what age does your young horse need to begin their dental checks 😊

🐎 As you prepare to introduce your young horse to work this spring, ensuring their mouth comfort sets the stage for optimal performance.

🦷 Before the age of 5 years horses undergo significant dental changes including:
- the shedding of 24 deciduous (baby) teeth
- the eruption of 24 permanent molars, 12 incisors, possibly four canines and possibly wolf teeth.
This period generally coincides with the introduction the bit and ridden work.

🗓️ Regular check-ups every six months for young horses are extremely important, providing an opportunity to detect and address issues early, also paving the way to allow the horse to perform at their maximum potential.

🔍 Common dental problems in young horses include:
- sharp enamel points, which can cause subsequent ulceration to the inside of cheeks and tongue
- problematic wolf teeth
- mobile or retained deciduous teeth
- diastemata and food impaction which can lead to periodontal disease, considered the most painful condition in the horses mouth.

👍🏻 By prioritising early dental care, you’re not only ensuring your young horse’s comfort and willingness to accept the bit but also reducing the risk of dental disease in later life.

Every Equine, Every Year 🦷

Visit our website to locate a BAEDT Equine Dental Technician near you ➡️ www.baedt.com