Dentist

It is exactly one year ago since the UBF had the operation on his jaw. It was time for the dentist to visit again to see what had been going on in his mouth over the last year. We noticed a few front incisors missing in the summer, when for a couple of weeks he looked like a vagabond or jolly pirate. He also left us a baby molar in his feed bowl a month ago, which must have fallen out during his dinner - only this week he looked like he was drooling and eating his breakfast slowly. I noticed all these changes and decided it was time to call the dentist - which should be at least a once a year habit.

I'm always nervous when the vets visit, hoping all will be well with his teeth and his healed jaw. The UBF willingly walked into the stable with all the equipment ready and waiting, before he could object he was given a sedative and the vet got to work. 

It seemed that he was struggling to lose his molars easily, so that the adult teeth could grow through. The sharp edges were hurting his cheeks and causing damage as he ate - poor UBF, such a stoical animal, not complaining but munching on through the discomfort.

With a little effort two molars were removed, a wolf tooth and some leftover incisor which could have become infected. There was blood, but plenty of sedative meaning he barely protested during the visit. I gently wiped the blood away from his mouth and we discussed how well he looked and how big he was growing as he slightly swayed.

Twenty minutes later he was wide awake and ready to go back to his field to finish off his morning hay, seemingly unfazed by the whole process.