What is your experience with floating your horse's teeth?

We have our vet float our horses' teeth. Would we be better off to get an equine dentist? We have a good relationship with our vet and he has seen our pets and livestock for years.





Also, I have another question going in words/wordplay about floating. Please check it out: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;... .





Thank you for your time and for your thoughtful answers.

What is your experience with floating your horse's teeth?
If you are happy with the way your vet has been doing it then why change???
Reply:Thank you all for posting your opinions. Report It

Reply:I agree with the other person's answer. Ever heard the saying "If it works, don't fix it"? I always had my vet float my horses teeth. As long as he knows what he's doing and it's never caused your horse a problem....I would keep letting him do it. As for your other question....I peeked. Very good question. One I have always wondered as well! The word "Float" certainly does not fit the process! LOL
Reply:many vets have been floating horses teeth for a very long time and are very good at it. Equine Dentists are vets that took it to the next step. They are very expensive to do the same tasks that your vet can do for a reasonable price. I agree if it aint broke dont fix it. You will have good and bad services no matter which way you go so if you find a service that is good and you are happy with stay with it.
Reply:I would also have to agree with "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".


There are a few things to consider before switching to an equine dentist; is there one close by you? Cost vs. the vet performing the procedure, and knowledge / experience.





To help reduce the per-horse cost, you may want to consult your neighbors. Having multiple horses to work would help split the barn call and/or travel costs.





Another alternative is if you have a vet school within travelling distance. It allows the vet students supervised hands-on practice for a reduced price.
Reply:For a young horse, or a horse that needs anything other than basic maintenance, I would definitely use the dentist. Would you let your doctor fill your cavities? But if your horses are older than 5 or 6 and there are no problems, you can use your vet.





I personally use an equine dentist who I LOVE, he's not that expensive (Cheaper than a barn call) and is really good at handling the horses. He sometimes works in conjunction with the vet, for horses with really bad mouths and the first time with baby's so he can sedate them. (He likes to make sure that the first experience isn't traumatic) My horse actually likes getting her teeth done.
Reply:I agree with the first person