Dental care
A horse’s mouth should usually be inspected and the teeth rasped at intervals of 6 to 12 months. If a horse has eating difficulties, starts resisting the bit or has other oral symptoms, an appointment for an examination should be booked without delay. The teeth of young horses should be given particular attention. The eruption of permanent teeth at ages 2–5, occlusion problems and wolf teeth can interfere with the bit. A healthy mouth is a basic requirement for positive training experiences for a young horse.
At the Equine Hospital, an oral examination involves sedation, appropriate head support, a bright light and a dental mirror. We often also use an endoscope with a camera and, if necessary, take X-ray images of the teeth. Horses have a finite amount of dental tissue, and their teeth are continuously worn down by chewing. A careful oral examination and well-planned rasping based on individual needs protect the horse’s teeth and ensure that it is able to eat even as it ages.
In addition to routine treatment, the Equine Hospital performs tooth extractions, either while the horse is sedated and standing or under anaesthesia in an operating room.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are part of primary animal healthcare and an easy way of protecting pets against dangerous diseases. Travelling with pets, an increasingly common custom, increases the risk of contagion abroad. In addition to travelling, certain vaccinations are in fact a requirement for shows and competitions. This makes it important to have as many pets as possible appropriately vaccinated.
At the time of vaccination, the pet must be healthy for its body to be able to react to the vaccination and to receive the best possible protection from it. For this reason, a health examination is carried out on animals in conjunction with vaccinations.
Regular revaccination is important to ensure the required level of protection.
Finnish-language vaccination recommendations for horses (Finnish Food Authoritiy)
Finnish-language information on the compulsory influenza vaccination (Suomen Hippos ry, the Finnish trotting and breeding association)
Further information on vaccination recommendations can be obtained from the patient office.