Elvira's Visit to the Dentist

I would like to introduce you to our large animal vet, Dr. Bolton. 

She monitors the health of our horses, mule, sheep, cows, and goats.  We call her in for medical care and also for routine health checks.  You may remember that she did an ultrasound on one of our goats last year.

 

 

On April 16th, Dr. Bolton visited to give Elvira the mule some routine dental work.

Even though the procedure does not hurt Elvira, we sedate her a bit in order to work in her mouth safely.  The first step is a mouth cleaning.

 

 

Dr. Bolton examined her teeth.  Older mules and horses get rough places on the outside of their teeth that rub against the inside of their mouth.  This can be uncomfortable or even painful.

 

 

The vet needed to grind her teeth smooth.  This process is called "floating her teeth."

 

 

The tool does not hurt Elvira.  It just grinds away the extra growth on the outside of her teeth.

Elvira discovered that she was awake enough to snort and sneeze on the vet.  She did it five or six times, and I imagine she found it very funny!

 

 

Dr. Bolton cleaned her front teeth, and then admired her work!

 

 

Our mule and Marsh Tacky horses can be found at our Domestic Animals of the Plantation area of the Lowcountry Zoo.