dental issue

[sayyadina]

My youngest mini has an issue with tooth alignment or a retained baby tooth on the right side of her mouth. I noticed it last July, about a month after she turned 5. The vet said we could either remove one of the teeth or watch and wait. I opted to watch and wait. I just noticed some redness in the gum above one of the teeth, so I think its time to make a decision. I don't have any experience with dental issues like this, though. She's one of my first 2 minis and my big horses never needed anything more than an annual float. Any suggestions/experiences?

I've posted a couple pics of the problem side and the normal side.

Where can I learn more about horse teeth?

 

[Jean_B]

Very few general practice veterinarians have had the extensive training that a certified equine dentist does. I know there are those vets (especially those in a horse-only practice) that have. If there is one in your area, it might be a good idea to have him or her take a look. Don't know where you are located, but perhaps someone on here can point you in that direction.

 

[sayyadina]

Thanks Jean. That's where I was leaning (dental specialist). Nice to know I'm thinking along the right lines.

I'm in Maine, a little over 2 hours from NH. I was thinking about New England Equine.

 

[Champ]

I live in NH and use Northeast Equine Veterinary Dental Services ..... www.nevds.com .... Leah Limone, DMV .... she is excellent, one of my minis has terrible teeth and she's done all the work on him and a lot of my friends horses, big and small. I'm not sure she'll travel that far but if not there is also: http://www.tntequine.com/equine-dentistry.html

 

[Cayuse]

I have also used Dr. Limone. She did a wonderful job with my aged large pony who had terrible bite issues from an facial injury in his younger days. She is very nice to deal with. I don't know if she does this, but maybe you could bring the mini to her?

 

[Marsha Cassada]

Ditto the equine dentist!! Your instinct tells you something isn't right. Go with your instinct.

 

[sayyadina]

Thanks everyone. Does anyone have thoughts on New England Equine? I do have a trailer and can transport her. Which means its time to start getting her used to that. She leads well, but we haven't done any trailer work yet.

 

[Cayuse]

I have used New England Equine a lot. I have had horses hosptilazed there and I also used their outpatient services for routine care which included floating. They did a good job with the floats, but I don't think they have an equine dentist on board, but that may have changed.

I would lean towards a dentist first if you could but if that is not possible, New England would be a good option.