Need vet to sedate horse for dentist - trying not to make this awkward

[aahunterjumper]

No longer anywhere near my previous vet. So, in a new place, with a new vet how do I ask the new vet to come sedate my horse for the dentist without it being an affront/ awkward?

I wish this horse didn’t need sedation, but that’s not the case. Also needs enough chemistry, that it needs to be administered/ monitored by vet. Horse had bad dental experience in the past and now it’s skirmish to get your hands in mouth to check teeth, let alone have a dental tool in hand.

Suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[Highflyer1]

Just ask. I’ve never had it be an issue. If you don’t have a vet yet your dentist might be able to recommend one that is in the area that they have worked with before.

[clanter]

our vet specializes in equine dentistry, you might want to see if your vet will do teeth

[NancyM]

Depending on where you are, different rules apply for those who practice equine dentistry. It’s not allowed here, for people who are not veterinarians to offer equine dentistry service. Those who do can be charged with “practicing veterinary medicine without a license”, which it would be best to avoid that. And though some rational vets had no problem with this, and would help out and have helped out in a situation like you describe, many other vets would not, and legal matters would ensue. The vets who helped out were those who were more than busy enough with real VETERINARY work that they did not want to do dentistry unless absolutely necessary. Those who threw a wreck about it were those vets who were not that busy. So make sure that equine dentists ARE legally allowed to work in your area before you go naming names to veterinarians.

If this is not a problem in your area, paying a vet call fee and having the vet come and do the sedation for the dentist would be your best plan.

[candyappy]

It is against the law here for equine dentists to administer sedation( some still do) . My vet will have the dentist out to his office if a horse needs special dentistry above what he offers. That way he is there to sedate and monitor the horse should anything happen.

All you need is to call the vets office and make an appointment for the vet to be out when your dentist is coming or better yet find a vet who is good at doing teeth and just have them out.

[Scribbler]

I’ve always had my vet do dentistry, he has expertise in teeth and in feet.

[Simkie]

I also agree that a vet who specializes in dentistry is the way to go, but if you really just don’t want to do that, call your vet and explain that you need sedation for a dentist appointment. It’s not a weird ask, especially in places where non veterinary equine dentists are common.

[JB]

A lot of vets don’t or won’t do (regular) dental work. It’s hard work.

If you haven’t had that convo with your vet about dentistry, I’d just start there. Maybe they specialize in dentistry. Maybe they want nothing to do with it. Go from there.

[SusanO]

I use a vet that only does dentistry for teeth. He gives them a shot to put them under and another shot to reverse the sedative. So you would need the vet to be there while the horse was being worked on. I agree - if you are doing a thorough job you need a speculum and for safety purposes for both human and equine the horse needs to be sedated. I would not want to be bonked on the head with a speculum.

[aahunterjumper]

Thank you! I appreciate the input! Apparently, it’s not as awkward an ask as I thought.

Previous horses have been fine with vet or lay dentists without sedation. In my area, lay dentists are permitted to practice.

This horse wants no part of dental anything. With minimal sedation, she uses her head and the speculum as a battering ram. That’s why she needs a vet to sedate her and make sure she stays fine. It’s a level of sedation that should not be administered without a vet.

[IPEsq]

If there is a vet near you who does teeth, it would probably be easiest just to use them for this horse. Use the lay dentist for the easier ones. Personally, I use a dental specialist vet who brings stocks with them. Some of the easy ones like having the stocks to lean on and it allows the vet to have the head in a lower position.

[JB]

@IPEsq

Some of the easy ones like having the stocks to lean on and it allows the vet to have the head in a lower position.

My vet (who is an excellent dentist, thankfully!) has switched to a halter pulley system which is awesome and my horses like it a LOT better than the old head rest stand. The rope goes over a rafter and allows her to adjust the height to both her and the horses’ liking. It’s a special halter with a padded chin cradle, not a regular halter.

[pokesaladannie]

My wonderful equine vet was thrilled that I was booking a DVM specializing in dentistry to do my barn’s teeth. It is actually pretty hard work if you don’t have all the bells and whistles at hand and you have a group to do. Just had mine done this morning. Easy peasy - now if only they would floss!