We made an appointment with Dr. Bruchman, an expert in equine dentistry. During the dental float, she noticed signs of EOTRH and we decided to take x-rays to better understand his condition. The x-rays revealed that Woody’s front teeth roots varied from large cementum bulbs to swiss cheese, with several fractured roots. Dr. B. recommended removing all his front teeth.
I was a little nervous about the procedure, but wanted to do what was best for Woody. We scheduled for a longer appointment a few weeks later. Dr. B. was fantastic in explaining the x-rays, the planned procedure, and what the aftercare would entail.
Woody’s front teeth were removed easily, all in a single appointment. He woke up from the sedation smoothly and was eager to eat his dinner that evening. Within just a few days, we noticed a positive change in his demeanor. His eyes were brighter, and his playful personality was beginning to shine through. He was no longer head-shy and began using his lips to nibble and explore his surroundings. He was also becoming more active.
Now, five months post-surgery, I am convinced that the procedure was absolutely necessary and worth it. It is evident that Woody feels better. He can still graze lightly using his lips in place of front teeth. While he can’t bite to tell younger herd mates to keep their distance, he uses his lips effectively to communicate, and it works well. Honestly, my only regret about this experience is that I didn’t have this done sooner.
-Karen (Woody’s adoring owner)