Cheese!

Working at a few sharp points.

While Speedy was at the vet the other day for his lameness exam, we did his vaccinations and dental work as well. I usually take my horses during my Easter vacation, but since we were already there, it seemed prudent to maximize the visit.

I had never seen him use this tool before.

Dr. Tolley is an excellent equine dentist, and I never get tired of watching him work. After he does his initial exam, he always hands the head lamp to me for my "opinion." I am getting pretty good at spotting the obvious hooks and rough spots, but he's still the master. For this visit, Speedy had a few sharp edges as well a wave that had developed over the chewing surface of his teeth. 

Smoothing off the bottoms of the front teeth

Dr. Tolley and I usually chat about horses and ideas that are new or falling to the way-side. For this visit, I made the comment that bringing your horse to the dentist is definitely a First World issue. How many people around the world don't have access to a dentist for their children? Dr. Tolley remarked that for many Third World nations, an equine dentist would help the family more than a human dentist. 

If their horses had better care, they could work harder and live longer helping the families to increase their often meager incomes. That was a sobering thought. How much have I spent in the last few months just so that my horses can continue to perform a job that doesn't earn me any money? It certainly helps to put our own lives in perspective when we think that for many people around the world, their horses are used to earn a family's livelihood.  

Dr. Tolley gave Speedy his round of injections, scheduled the farrier appointment, and sent us on our way. Before leaving however, I made what is hopefully Izzy's last appointment regarding his leg. Dr. Tolley and I have a small bet going about when the wound will actually close. We're due back on April 3rd. He thinks it should close before then; I hope he's right!