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(Horse NZ trade stand) |
(ASED NZ class 2005) |
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Shirley graduated from the American School of Equine
Dentistry in May 1999. Originally taught basic equine dentistry by her father in
1989 she has 18 years of experience. She is a member of the International
Association of Equine Dental Technicians (IAEDT). Shirley is an instructor for
the ASED.
Shirley travels over most of the North Island and to Southland and Nelson.
Shirley takes a holistic approach to equine dentistry to do
as much as is necessary to bring the mouth into balance and smooth sharp edges
without overdoing it. Most of her work is carried out on unsedated horses with
hand tools. Powertools are used on sedated horses for advanced cases where hand
tools are not sufficient to complete the procedure.
(photo courtesy of Bill Whitlock)
A Performance Float entails:
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Examination of the head and oral cavity using a fullmouth
speculum
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Leveling the arcades, reduction of ramps, hooks, waves
and transverse ridges to increase occlusion and lateral excursion
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Floating of points to eliminate lacerations to the cheeks
and tongue
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Addition of bitseats to increase bit comfort
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Reduction and realignment of incisors as needed.
All horses need regular dental attention. Horses should
first be examined at an early age to identify misalignments and then floated by
a dentist at approximately 2 years of age or before they are bitted. Ideally
horses under the age of 5 should be examined six monthly to check for correct
eruption of teeth and shedding of deciduous teeth (caps).
(Extreme Parrot Mouth)
Older horses can be
checked yearly but performance horses (racehorses, dressage, jumpers etc) should
be done six-monthly. Horses left until a problem arises may have already
developed a lasting bad-habit, remaining even after the teeth have been done,
due to memory of pain.
Prevention is the key to a happy mouth. A well maintained
mouth saves more in feed bills than the cost of the dental procedure!
Shirley is an instructor for the American School of Equine
Dentistry as well as the New Zealand Course Coordinator. As well as having
instructed on the New Zealand courses she is going to Wyoming in September
2005 to instruct at the Bitterroot Ranch course.
Shirley travels over most of the north island from
Whangarei to Wellington and occasionally to the South Island.
(Shirley instructing students, NZ class)
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(Hooks on a miniature) |
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(Dr Hyde assisting with a miniature) |
Miniature Horses
Shirley does many miniatures throughout the north island and has a range of
miniature dental equipment.
(Using powertools to correct the alignment of a dwarf
mini.
Assisted by Vet EqDT Saskia Knopjes.)
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Donkey at Southland RDA |
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Mini with Sow Mouth |
Shirley instructed for the ASED in
Wyoming in Sept/Oct 2005 at the Bitterroot Ranch
which is the home of Equitours.
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Even the Llamas
had their teeth done!
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Severe wry mouth
This horse was in great condition |
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Doing dentistry in the
snow
in Wyoming |
The Bitterroot Ranch
riding horses are kept in a heard of 150. A unique experience |
Contact Information
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Phone: 07 825-2991 CellPhone: 0274 905 582
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Postal address:
278 Gillard Rd, RD2 Ohaupo, 3882
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General Information:
smcalder@orcon.net.nz
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Webmaster:
info@unicorn-web.co.nz -
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Photos Courtesy of:
Judy T Bracey 06 856 6617
Caldwell Rd R.D.2
Onga Onga C.H.B
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