Mon. 23 Feb 09 – The Dentist …

Well … well … well … Henry’s first dental examination.  Sedative for Heather, anyone?

The vets (1 main and 1 assistant) came out this morning for a dental exam.  On Friday, I made the call as Henry had retained a front incisor cap and the positioning was not the nicest (going back and up into his upper gum).  Of course, by the time Monday morning rolled around, Henry had popped the cap!  (I had only been waiting weeks on this particular cap).  Despite the fact that Henry popped the one retained cap, I still felt that at this age (2 1/2 years) he should have a dental check up (particularly looking for wolf teeth that he may, or may not have). 

Shaun (main vet) gave Henry a sedative to relax him.  This is where “mummy” freaked out … I have never seen an equine sedation before and my poor little Henry was knocked out for the count (still being able to stand on his own, but he was out of it).  Then, the “mouth contraption” was hooked up to Henry and Shaun the vet gave me the “equine mouth tour”.  He was very patient with nervous nellie mummy at this side and explained the entire mouth structure (molars, incisors, etc.).  He showed me the sharp hooked rasps that needed to be floated, he showed me the wolf teeth (2) and the loose caps in the molar region that if taken out, would create a bit more comfort for Henry over the next couple of months.

Then … the process began … I was OK with most of it – but when it came to the wolf teeth extraction, I had to look away.  As wolf teeth had deep roots, I couldn’t bear to watch the extraction.

After the process was completed, Henry was SLOWLY led into a stall where he rested until the sedative wore off.

Both vets commented on what a VERY good boy he was throughout the entire process. 

WOW – what an educational experience – something I will never forget.

Update:  Monday evening …

Went to the barn, as of course I worried all day about Henry’s recovery.  Got to the barn and he had his face in the hay bale.  Hmmmmmmm.  Of course he would!

Spoke to one of the owners and he was led out to pasture around 12 noon, all bright eyed and bushy tailed.  No worries what-so-ever.

Since Henry was feeling soooooooo fine, I haltered him up and took him to the arena for a little work out.  He was back to his old self – that’s for sure!

Henry passes another “first” with flying colours …

Heather

Update – March 09, 2009 – the bill …

The Vet Bill ...