Earlier this month we had the vet out for the horses’ annual spring check up. Along with the usual shots and coggins, we also had their teeth floated. We had never had any of our horses’ teeth floated before so this was a first time experience. Thankfully our vet was patient with our learning and even took the extra time to teach a little bit as he worked. He also didn’t seem to mind as Mom snapped picture after picture…
The drugs starting to kick in…
Getting the gear on.
Washing out his mouth.
Inspecting his teeth.
Yanking a little more food out. Caramel is mighty talented when it comes to storing stuff in his mouth. How do I know? One word- bute.
Notice Lucy keeping an eye on Dave.
Caramel still managed to be a bit tense, even with the sedation.
He acted as though he could feel it. And he didn’t quite like the feeling.
Not sure how much of that was real or just drama.
And then there’s Lucy.
The drugs really worked on her. Note the tongue.
They made her even more loosey-goosey than she already is.
Inspecting her mouth. She had some ulcers in there. Poor girl.
Looking at her tongue. She had some scar tissue likely from biting her tongue. I got to touch it. It felt kind of funny.
Starting the drill up.
As you can see, Lucy was a little more relaxed about the whole thing than Caramel.
See the smoke?
Getting way back there. Must have gagged her a little bit.
Finishing it off with a hand file (not sure what the proper name for those things are).
For a good hour after the float while sleeping off the drugs, Lucy was snoring. Ever heard a horse snore? It gave me the giggles. Lucy took her sweet time coming out of the drugs too. That evening she was still acting a little drowsy. She’s lazy in everything I guess.
Both horses took a couple days to adjust to their new teeth. They would eat slowly and chew really funny. They aren’t quite up to full speed yet, but they are getting much more proficient. Once they do fully adjust, though, their eating is supposed to speed up, especially with Lucy and the ulcers she had. I can’t imagine Lucy eating any faster than she already does! I think we might break a record.
Great pictures, Mom! To be honest, looking at those photos makes my stomach turn. Like almost throw up in my mouth. We had Sedona’s teeth floated at the clinic and I think mostly it was the smell that was so awful. Eww. It’s good to have it done, and Lucy’s mouth will surely feel better. Good job family!
She says thank you! We all had a stomach ache watching it too. Funny to hear seeing the pictures can give the same feeling! I can’t even imagine what it would be like at the clinic. There is such a distinct smell there of which made my stomach sick without having to watch a teeth floating.
And according to Lucy, her mouth is already starting to feel better. When the ulcers are all healed up I suspect she will be like a new horse! :)