Our veterinarians are equipped with the latest tools to handle both routine and advanced equine dental issues and oral surgery along with sinus disease investigation and surgery, with the utmost care. Our founder Apryle Horbal possesses extensive expertise in the field of equine dentistry, which is the result of both intensive training, research, and field work.
Equine dentistry is one of the most important yet often overlooked or incorrectly performed health practices we can provide for our horses. Properly performed dentistry can improve the horse’s overall health. A variety of diseases may also be involved with dental problems, including sinusitis and colic in severe cases.
Symptoms that may be related to dental disease in horses include:
- Quidding (dropping of feed while chewing)
- Weight loss
- Nasal discharge from one nostril
- Disinterest in feed
- Bad breath
- Difficulty on the bit when being ridden
Investigation and treatment of these problems require the experience of an equine veterinary dentist, and may involve:
- Standing and complete oral evaluation with dental endoscopy
- Investigation of tooth infection and abscessation with x-rays or CT scan
- Endoscopy of the airways if sinus disease is suspected
- Extraction of any fractured or infected teeth
- Widening and/or medical treatment of diastemata affected by periodontal disease
- Floating of any overgrown or sharp teeth with mechanical power instruments
- Keyhole endoscopic surgery to treat sinusitis and drainage problems
The teeth are very closely connected to the horse’s airways, and our equine services are prepared to provide investigation of:
- Sinusitis, sinus tumors, and sinus cysts
- Epistaxis (Nosebleeds)
- Difficulty breathing during exercise or excessive noise when exercising
- Facial swellings
- Facial or jaw trauma
University Veterinary Specialists is proud to include equine dentistry and airway investigation as part of our specialty services in Pittsburgh, PA. Please contact us today if you feel your horse is in need of help.