Berwyn Equine Dentistry

25/02/2025

Joey the grey shire, luckily a very good boy!

30/01/2025

A very rarely seen lower wolf tooth, spotted in a 7yo gelding today. Owner reports no issues with the bit. Photos taken prior to rasping.

24/01/2025

The team all had their six monthly dentals yesterday, setting them up for the season!

22/01/2025

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It’s easy to overlook the dental needs of small ponies, especially those on restricted diets for weight management. However, these smaller equines sometimes face unique dental challenges due to the size of their petite heads. These tiny heads must accommodate the same number of teeth as their larger counterparts, 12 incisors and 24 molars, however with limited space it can often result in significant dental problems.

Smaller breeds, such as Welsh As, Welsh Bs, and Shetlands, are particularly prone to:

• Overcrowding and tooth displacement: This can lead to diastemata (gaps between teeth) and painful periodontal disease.

• Uneven wear patterns: Misaligned teeth wear abnormally, leading to occlusal overgrowths which can impact comfort and chewing efficiency.

• Missing molars: Due to lack of space sometimes molars are absent, therefore the opposing teeth will hyper-erupt, leading to large, very uncomfortable overgrowths that will continually worsen over time if not addressed. These large overgrowths will cause a lot of pain over their lifetime and will cause difficulty eating.

Routine dental checks, at least once or twice per year, are so important for ensuring:

• Early detection of dental disease and discomfort.

• Proper maintenance of chewing surfaces to promote efficient mastication.

• Comfort from sharp enamel points and occlusal overgrowths, which are inevitable without intervention.

Since horses, ponies, and donkeys have hypsodont teeth (continuously erupting throughout their lives), dental issues will ALWAYS escalate if left untreated.

At this time of year, equine dental technicians frequently encounter older small ponies struggling to chew hay. Often, these ponies have been overlooked due to their reputation as “good doers.” Unfortunately, by the time their difficulty eating is noticed, their dental issues may be severe, causing unnecessary pain and possibly even malnutrition.

By prioritising regular dental care, we can improve the welfare of these animals. Together, we can ensure they remain comfortable, healthy, and able to enjoy their food as they age.

07/01/2025

A snowy first day back in action.
Please note: our charting system is not currently working properly so you may not get your reminder email. If in doubt please get in touch.

20/12/2024

Last ponies done, that's it now until the new year! We start back on the 7th January, I will be checking messages a couple of times over the break but obviously not as regular as normal. Wishing all our friends and clients a merry Christmas and a happy new year!!!

13/11/2024

Tooth out Tuesday yesterday for these two. One oldie with loose expiring teeth and one baby with cap fragments.

08/11/2024

Did you know, Shetlands and miniature horses/ponies are just as important as top competition horses when it comes to their requirement for dentistry. In fact, they are often more prone to disorders due to trying to fit so many teeth in such a small space.

21/10/2024

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Whether we are breeders or keepers of equines, work with them or admire them from afar we are all concerned for their wellbeing and welfare.
Everyone has a different perception of welfare, and how different circumstances may impact positively or negatively. From rugging and feeding to individual or no turnout everyone has an option.
As part of our project with the Horserace Betting Levy Board we are giving you the opportunity to highlight what you think are the factors most affecting equine welfare today.
Please complete our survey on equine welfare:
Equine Welfare Perceptions https://forms.gle/aaEsq7oEZ2fvGPrW7

16/10/2024

Just getting back into the swing of normality following an incredible week at HOYS acting as groom for the Wynnstay games team who managed to finish 4th overall and we won the Stable cup!

03/10/2024

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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.

23/09/2024

Someone was keen to be involved last week..

11/09/2024

Tooth out Friday last week! Lee taking Wolf teeth and caps out of a young horse.

22/08/2024

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Wolf Teeth

🦷 Wolf teeth are usually found on the upper jaw positioned in front of the first molars (06s), and less commonly on the lower jaw.
🦷 Wolf teeth typically erupt after 6 months of age.
🦷Wolf teeth are vestigial remnants, meaning they no longer serve a functional purpose. Their shape, size, and root length can vary widely.
🦷 Wolf teeth are found in both males and females, research suggests they are found in 13-40% of horses.
🦷 Wolf tooth removal is often considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on whether they interfere with the bit or cause any discomfort.

Canine Teeth

🦷 Equines can have four canines in total, two on the upper jaw and two on the lower jaw.
🦷 Canines are situated in the interdental space, just behind the incisors.
🦷 Canines typically erupt between 4.5 to 6 years of age.
🦷 Canines are a fighting tooth, while predominantly found in males, some females may have rudimentary canines which are generally smaller.
🦷 Canine teeth are prone to calculus buildup, which can lead to gingivitis. Regular dental check ups are necessary to remove the calculus and maintain oral health.

17/08/2024

Had a lovely time at our second pony club talk this year, this time it was for Berwyn and Dee pony club who went on to earn their dentistry badges.

10/08/2024

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Archaeologists studying Mongolian horse remains discovered that early nomadic cultures practiced equine dentistry as far back as 1150BCE, in the late Bronze Age. This period is closely linked with the beginning of horseback riding and the rise of mobile pastoralism.

Research also shows evidence of extracted wolf teeth by 750 BCE, which coincides with the introduction of metal bits. The use of metal bits often caused oral trauma, leading to the need for dental care.

These findings suggest that nomadic people were pioneers in veterinary care, with their innovations in equine dentistry not only enhancing communication, trade, and military power but also playing a crucial role in integrating horses into cultures and economies worldwide, ultimately reshaping human societies.

Source: (Taylor et al, 2018)

03/08/2024

Busy week playing ponies! Wynnstay pony club camp followed by Oswestry show. Lovely to see so many clients out and about!

13/07/2024

Before and after