Dental exam

Question 1

Equipment

Answer 1

• Sedation
• Gloves
• Headtorch
• Oral-speculum / gag
• Mirror
• Dental Flush(Syringe)
• Dental chart – BEVA
• Headstand (ideally)
• A hard hat

Question 2

Step 1: Sedation

Answer 2

§ Sedate the horse if required
§ This may be an alpha-2 or combination

Question 3

Step 2: Incisor examination

Answer 3

§ Alignment
§ Missing teeth
§ Diastema
§ Impacted food
§ Fractures

Question 4

Step 3: Placing the gag

Answer 4

§ Place the headcollar around the horses neck
§ Fasten the head strap on a loose hole and place over the horses head
§ Offer the mouth piece like a bit, fitting the plate firmly between the incisors
§ Tighten the head strap
§ Ensure the incisors are against the front of the mouth piece
§ Open the mouth gradually, one side at a time
§ Ensure the teeth are still at the front of the mouth piece before proceeding

Question 5

Step 4: Rinse the mouth

Answer 5

§ Using a flusher(big syringe), rinse both sides of the mouth, allowing the water to empty

Question 6

Step 5: Thorough oral examination

Answer 6

§ Use gloves, head torch and mirror
§ You may wish to use a head stand for the rest of the procedure

§ Look for:
– Mucosal inflammation or ulceration
– Sharp enamel points on cheek teeth
– Alignment of upper and lower arcades
– Infundibular and Peripheral Caries
– Diastamata
– Missing teeth
– Fractures

§ Note any pathology on a dental chart

Question 7

Step 6: Releasing the gag

Answer 7

§ Remove the head from the head stand
§ Close the mouth by nipping both handles firmly