Equine Dental Exam and Float Services
Welcome to Full Quiver Integrative Veterinary Solutions, LLC, your trusted resource for expert equine dental exam and float services. Our veterinary team delivers thorough, compassionate dental care to keep your horse healthy.
Understanding Equine Dental Exams and Floats
Equine dental exams and floats are essential parts of your horse’s preventative health plan. Over time, horses’ teeth naturally develop sharp points and uneven surfaces, which can cause pain, difficulty eating, and even behavioral problems.
A dental exam identifies these issues early. Floating involves smoothing and balancing your horse’s teeth, promoting comfort and optimal chewing.
Regular equine dental care prevents painful mouth problems, weight loss, training challenges, and digestive disruptions caused by dental irregularities. At Full Quiver Integrative Veterinary Solutions, LLC, we recognize how crucial oral health is for the well-being and performance of your horse.
Our veterinary team provides equine dental exams and floats with a focus on comfort, safety, and education. We take pride in serving and surrounding communities by building healthier, happier horses from the mouth up.
What to Expect During an Equine Dental Exam/Float
When you schedule an equine dental exam and float, you can expect a careful, step-by-step approach designed to keep your horse calm and safe. Our veterinarians bring a gentle, experienced touch and truly listen to your concerns as an owner.
Comprehensive Oral Examination
We begin with a thorough visual and manual inspection of your horse’s mouth. Dr. Holly Crews uses a dental speculum and specially designed lights to examine the teeth, gums, tongue, and cheeks.
Every horse receives a customized evaluation. We look for sharp enamel points, uneven wear, loose or missing teeth, and signs of infection or injury.
Sedation and Horse Comfort
Gentle sedation is often recommended to relax your horse and ensure a safe, pain-free process. Our veterinary team carefully selects sedation protocols appropriate to your horse’s age, health, and temperament.
This approach minimizes stress, prevents injury, and allows for a more effective dental procedure. All monitoring is performed with your horse’s safety and well-being as our top priority.
Precision Dental Floating
Once your horse is comfortable, our veterinarians use both traditional and motorized dental floats. We skillfully file down sharp points, smooth rough surfaces, and balance the arcades for even chewing.
Full Quiver Integrative Veterinary Solutions, LLC incorporates integrative veterinary knowledge and up-to-date dental instruments to deliver thorough, minimally invasive care.
Post-Procedure Monitoring and Client Education
After floating, we monitor your horse as they recover from sedation. Our team provides owners with clear aftercare instructions and tips on what to watch for.
We educate you about ongoing dental health, feeding adjustments, and scheduling future exams to keep your horse healthy year-round.
Why Equine Dental Exams and Floats Are Important for Your Horse
Routine equine dental care is vital for maintaining your horse’s comfort and long-term health. Dental problems can go unnoticed until they start to interfere with eating, training, or even your horse’s temperament.
A well-timed equine dental exam and float provides preventive care that catches issues before they escalate. By preventing sharp enamel points, hooks, and uneven wear, our veterinarians protect your horse’s mouth, digestive system, and overall quality of life.
These services also help prevent colic, choke, and weight loss. Addressing dental health supports athletic performance and can extend your horse’s years of healthy activity.
Enhanced Chewing and Nutrition
Proper dental alignment ensures your horse can effectively chew and digest feed, leading to better body condition and nutrient absorption.
Prevention of Pain and Behavior Changes
Smoothing sharp points and correcting oral discomfort helps prevent pain-related head tossing, bit resistance, and training setbacks.
Early Detection of Serious Issues
Regular dental visits allow our veterinary professionals to catch infections, abscesses, or loose teeth early, reducing the need for complex treatments.
Signs Your Horse May Need a Dental Exam or Float
Horses can’t tell you when their mouth hurts, so it’s important to watch for these common clues that indicate it’s time for a dental visit:
- Dropping or spilling feed while chewing
- Weight loss despite normal appetite
- Head tossing, resistance to the bit, or other riding issues
- Visible swelling or foul odor from the mouth
- Undigested feed in manure
If you notice any of these signs in your horse, contact Full Quiver Integrative Veterinary Solutions, LLC as soon as possible. Timely attention can prevent further complications and help your horse get back to feeling their best.
How Often Should Your Horse Receive Dental Exams and Floats?
Routine equine dental exams and floats are recommended at least once a year for most adult horses. Younger horses, seniors, and those with recognized dental problems may require care more frequently.
Breed, diet, and workload can all influence dental care needs. Some performance horses or horses with a history of dental problems may need checkups twice a year.
Our veterinarians will assess your horse’s mouth and recommend a personalized dental care schedule. Rely on our veterinary team for tailored guidance that suits your horse’s unique needs and lifestyle.
Practice Highlights
Choosing Full Quiver Integrative Veterinary Solutions, LLC for your horse’s dental care means partnering with a practice dedicated to quality and convenience in the area.
- Led by Dr. Holly Crews, DVM, certified in multiple treatment modalities and committed to exceptional equine care
- Integrative veterinary approach that combines conventional and alternative therapies for comprehensive results
- Mobile, on-farm service for minimal stress and maximum convenience across and surrounding communities
- Honest communication and educational support for horse owners at every visit
- Up-to-date dental equipment and safety protocols to ensure the best outcomes for your horse
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my horse needs a dental float?
Common signs include dropping feed, head tossing, and changes in behavior under saddle. Our veterinarians can schedule an exam to assess your horse’s needs and recommend the right treatment.
How much does an equine dental exam or float cost, and how long does it take?
Costs and appointment duration vary based on your horse’s age, dental history, and temperament. Please call Full Quiver Integrative Veterinary Solutions, LLC at (417) 281-4406 for specific details and to receive a personalized estimate.
How should I prepare my horse for a dental visit, and what should I expect after the procedure?
We suggest your horse be caught, haltered, and in a safe, clean location for the appointment. After care may include monitoring as sedation wears off and following any specific recommendations our veterinarians provide to maintain recovery.
What problems do dental exams and floats help prevent in horses?
Dental exams and floats prevent sharp enamel points, periodontal disease, mouth injuries, and help identify serious oral health threats. Preventing these concerns supports eating, comfort, and performance.
How can I schedule an appointment? Are you available for emergency needs?
Appointments are available weekdays and some Saturdays. We aim to accommodate same-day emergencies when possible. Call (417) 281-4406 or visit us at 4431 Hwy E, 64844 for details and to check availability.
Schedule Your Pet's Equine Dental Exam and Float Appointment Today
Give your horse the gift of a healthy mouth and comfortable ride. Call Full Quiver Integrative Veterinary Solutions, LLC at (417) 281-4406 to schedule your equine dental exam and float.
We are conveniently based at 4431 Hwy E, 64844, serving and surrounding areas with dependable mobile care.
Whether you have questions or need immediate dental care for your horse, our veterinary professionals are here to help. Trust our team to support your horse’s health with genuine expertise and compassion.
