Equine dentistry: Routine examination and floating. Equipment required

Abstract

This article describes the equipment required to perform routine equine oral examination and floating and addresses the normal dentition encountered. Thorough oral examination is only possible after placement of an oral speculum and a good light source is required to illuminate the oral cavity. Digital palpation of the teeth and oral tissues is important and enables the examiner to determine if malodour is associated with lesions. Routine floating can be undertaken using hand rasps or electromechanical equipment.