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Floating Teeth

crehberg
Member

Dec 4, 2005, 8:39 AM

Post #1 of 12 (1495 views)
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Floating Teeth	Can't Post

What exactly does it mean to "float" a horse's teeth? Is it necessary and if it is, can I get some price estimates for Southern Georgia. Unsure

JimHess
Silver Member

Dec 4, 2005, 7:40 PM

Post #2 of 12 (1491 views)
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Re: [crehberg] Floating Teeth [In reply to]	Can't Post

Unless there's something else I'm not aware of, it's when the Vet, or the horse dentist, files the sharp edges off the horse's teeth. Between the natural growth and the way the horse chews, they'll often get "points" on the teeth that can cut the gums, interfere with the bit, or cause the horse to not chew it's food properly. As a rule of thumb, people should have their horses' teeth floated annually. As far as price, we just paid $80 this fall. It can vary depending on how much work is required, and how well the horse behaves. Some horses need to be tranquilized.

-Jim

Mark4510
Silver Member

Dec 5, 2005, 12:37 PM

Post #3 of 12 (1479 views)
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Re: [JimHess] Floating Teeth [In reply to]	Can't Post

As usual Jim’s advice is good. I would only add is, if needed, floating a horses teeth can help them be more comfortable and feed better. And, it costs more in my part of CA…… Sly

Regards,
Mark

UncleBuck
Member

Dec 14, 2005, 7:24 PM

Post #4 of 12 (1460 views)
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Re: [crehberg] Floating Teeth [In reply to]	Can't Post

crehberg
I had my older horse (28yr old) "FLOATED" about 4 years ago, if your horse drops a lot of grain from his mouth when eating his teeth need to be floated , because of the high points he had a uneven chew, thus drops his grain while eating. This is not "scientific", but my 78 year old Vet suggested this to me. P.S. He was the best Vet I ever had and if I did not move from his area, I moved North and he is thinking of moving South, he would be my Vet today.

Buck

CJuneau
Bronze Member

Dec 15, 2005, 8:57 PM

Post #5 of 12 (1451 views)
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Re: [UncleBuck] Floating Teeth [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have my vet check all of my horses teeth yearly, but we seem to need floating every 2 years. Here in PA she refers us to an equine dentist and the cost is $50 per horse. The dropping of the grain while chewing, balling up hay/spitting out and sometimes unusual headset while chewing are all good indicators that a horse needs floating. Also, sometimes there can also be difficulty accepting the bit. Hope this helps. Smile

mffarmall
Member

Jan 6, 2006, 12:46 PM

Post #6 of 12 (1413 views)
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Re: [CJuneau] Floating Teeth [In reply to]	Can't Post

I need to float my horses teeth. But what about the color of them. If they are stained is that okay or do they need to be brushed every now and then?

Mark4510
Silver Member

Jan 6, 2006, 1:35 PM

Post #7 of 12 (1412 views)
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Re: [mffarmall] Floating Teeth [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have never had a Equine dentist recomend brushing but perhaps I am behind the times. Certainly horses teeth dont tend to be as dysfunctionally white as a Hollywood actors so check with your horses dentist and get thier feedback.

Maybe others have better info than I do.

Regards,
Mark

CJuneau
Bronze Member

Jan 6, 2006, 8:48 PM

Post #8 of 12 (1404 views)
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Re: [Mark4510] Floating Teeth [In reply to]	Can't Post

My farrier's daughter is an equine dentist, and she says there is no reason why you can't brush your horses teeth if you so choose. She would recommend a medium soft lg. tooth brush and just plain water.(We are assuming your horse will cooperate!!) Smile

If you don't have any luck...no worries as this isn't common suggested practice but it certainly won't hurt! Now you have me thinking of trying this myself!

UncleBuck
Member

Jan 8, 2006, 2:58 PM

Post #9 of 12 (1396 views)
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Re: [mffarmall] Floating Teeth [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

But what about the color of them. If they are stained is that okay or do they need to be brushed every now and then?

NO

Buck

Jenifae
Member

Jan 8, 2006, 9:30 PM

Post #10 of 12 (1392 views)
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Re: [crehberg] Floating Teeth [In reply to]	Can't Post

Everyone here always has such good advice. I've heard all the same things to do and look for. The last time I had one of my horses teeth floated was a little over a year ago. And it was $90.00 in So. Cal.

With Love and Patience you get alot more done.

crehberg
Member

Mar 13, 2006, 12:23 PM

Post #11 of 12 (1342 views)
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Re: [crehberg] Floating Teeth [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks for the help folks. I think I need to come live where ya'll are at. I just got the bill for floating our old mare's teeth. It came to $150. I think I need a beer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mad

JimHess
Silver Member

Mar 13, 2006, 7:03 PM

Post #12 of 12 (1340 views)
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Re: [crehberg] Floating Teeth [In reply to]	Can't Post

Did the job require extras like sedation or extractions to run the bill up? It sounds pricey for a standard job on one horse.

-Jim

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