The Equine Medicine and Dentistry Service at the Veterinarian Medicine Teaching Hospital has recently expanded its services, and is now able to offer more advanced techniques. Under the guidance of Section Head Dr. Nicola Pusterla, the Service offers procedures such as: comprehensive oral exams; state-of-the-art imaging modalities; restorations, fillings and endodontics; periodontal treatments; extraction of teeth; and occlusal equilibration.

Expanded horse dentistry services

The Equine Medicine and Dentistry Service at UC Davis VMTH has recently expanded its services, and is now able to offer more advanced dental techniques to horse owners and veterinarians.
© 2013 by April Raine

The Service works closely with ancillary services—such as the Diagnostic Imaging Service, Large Animal Anesthesia Service and Dental and Oral Surgery Service (DOSS)—to provide some of the most advanced care for equine patients. Perhaps more importantly, though, the Service works in concert with referring veterinarians to ensure they are kept abreast of the proceedings every step of the way.

“It is important that we keep the referring veterinarians informed of our process and of the care we have given to their patients,” states Dr. Pusterla. “We want to involve them in the decision-making process, provide them with detailed documentation of the case and assist with follow-up consultations.” Dr. Pusterla is also interested in providing training to referring veterinarians in order for them to better identify and care for their patients’ dental needs.

Much of the Service’s advances are due to the addition of Dr. Travis Henry, a veterinarian with many years of experience in equine dentistry who recently joined the DOSS, who has helped increase the services the VMTH is able to offer. Dr. Henry has been involved in the development of several equine dental tools and instruments, and he provides continuing education to equine veterinarians worldwide.

“Being able to add Dr. Henry to our team has proven to be a tremendous asset to the VMTH,” adds Dr. Pusterla. “We look forward to complementing our referring veterinarians’ practices, as we all work toward improving equine health.