dropping feed

My horse keeps dropping her feed and the treats I give her. Do I need to get her floated? She hasnt been floated before. Do I call the vet to do it? Theres no equine dentist that I know of around here.what exactly do they do when they float? Also my mare is 4 yrs old.

Sounds like she could definitely use a float. You can get a vet to do the float however an equine dentist is more ideal as that is what they are trained to do and a vet doesnt have the best experience with it either. However, a vet is better then no float at all if you can't get an actual equine dentist.

Generally when they do a float, they will give your horse a drug by injection to make him dopey while he gets his teeth done. The whole process takes about 15-20 minutes if its just a basic float. They use this mouth speculum to keep the mouth open while they work. It just slides in, doesnt hurt your horse. They use a huge file, kind of like a hoof file and file down the sharp edges and make the teeth even and smooth. Some use a power type file to smooth them all out and even them. Your horse is most likely spitting out her food because she has some uneven teeth and can't chew properly. Horses should be done at least once a year unless they are seniors or babies (6months-3yrs) in which they need to be done every 6 months.

It is definitely time (past actually) for her to be seen. If you do have an equine dentist out, instead of a vet, DO NOT let them sedate her. They are not licensed to do so, it is illegal for them to administer drugs and highly dangerous. Also, check their 'certification' as really just about anyone can get some kinds of the certification done. I would personally choose a vet with dentistry training out, they are fit to deal with issues that may arise due to reactions to sedation (not nearly as uncommon as you'd hope to believe) as well as any other medical problems that could be going on in the oral cavity.

I bet once she is smoothed out, you'll have much less trouble, best of luck!

Yes she needs to be floated. Your horses teeth should be checked once a year! Very important. Getting an actuall equine dentist is best. If you need a number for one I have one she travels all over and takes time to get her out but she is fantastic!

Thought this link might help the OP and others reading this thread
How to Choose an Equine Dentist | eHow.com