Berwyn Equine Dentistry

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

https://www.facebook.com/share/bzCBGX5ifU4zzkLS/

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

https://www.facebook.com/share/DwtiRBydai9bZow1/

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

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/xKB8fMMMnWVLqns7/

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

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/zSrX7qYCHrq7xZSy/

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

02/06/2024

Please note we are away from 3rd-10th June, all messages will be dealt with when we get back. Thanks

29/05/2024

Won my first ever pony club trophy 🏆😁 only took me 34 years 😂

19/05/2024

That time of year again...

30/04/2024

So often Lee and I get asked for advice on bitting and we point you in the direction of bit fitters. In an attempt to improve our own knowledge and help our clients further in the future, I have taken the first step and completed a LANTRA approved certificate in Equine Bits and Bitting Science which I passed with distinction, as well as an additional course in mathematics for Bits and Bitting. I am aiming to complete the next course in Lorinary science towards the end of the year.

08/04/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/8XJe246HPFQ1Yoxi/

Why choose a qualified and fully insured BAEDT member for your equine dental care needs?

⭐️ Rigorously trained and examined: BAEDT members undergo extensive training and rigorous examinations over several years to gain the BEVA/BVDA qualification, ensuring they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to provide the highest standards of dental care.

⭐️ Commitment to Continued Professional Development (CPD): BAEDT members are committed to staying up to date with the latest advancements in equine dentistry by attending regular CPD activities across the UK.

⭐️ Adherence to a code of conduct: BAEDT members adhere to a strict code of conduct that outlines ethical standards and professional responsibilities. This code ensures that members uphold the highest level of integrity and professionalism in their interactions with clients and colleagues.

⭐️ Dedication to equine welfare:
BAEDT members are deeply committed to enhancing equine welfare not only through their dental work but also through their efforts to educate the public. By raising awareness about the importance of proper dental care and its impact on the overall health and wellbeing of horses.

Don’t compromise on your horse’s dental health. To locate your nearest BAEDT member visit www.baedt.com 🐎

10/03/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/6rKzQcaFanmMmTCX/

When was your horses last dental?

➡️ Sharp enamel points can cause soft tissue damage to the cheeks and tongue leading to discomfort whilst being ridden and eating (imagine putting a nose band on this chap 🥺)

➡️ Equines have hypsodont dentition meaning they have a large reserve crown which is in continuous wear throughout their lifetime and constantly erupts approximately 2-4mm per year.

➡️ This leads to the formation of sharp enamel points on the outside of the upper cheek teeth and inside of lower cheek teeth

➡️ Removing the sharp enamel points will allow healing and make the mouth comfortable.

➡️ ALL horses, ponies and donkeys require routine dental treatments every 6-12 months to ensure comfort whilst eating and being ridden

➡️ Remember horses are prey animals so their may be no clinical signs that they are in discomfort, they are good at hiding pain

➡️ All BAEDT members are trained and examined to the highest standards and attend regular CPD courses

Every horse every year! 🐴🦷

www.baedt.com