My Donkeys Get Dental Check-Ups

October 11, 2022

Just like other equines, donkeys need regular dental care - it's time for my five precious donkeys to get their teeth checked.

Donkey teeth are constantly growing, which means their bites are always changing. Because of this, it is very important for their mouths to be examined for any sharp edges or misaligned molars. Last week, a veterinary team from Miller & Associates in nearby Brewster, New York, came by the farm to see Clive, Rufus, Truman "TJ" Junior, Billie, and Jude "JJ" Junior. Each donkey was given a thorough examination and I'm happy to report - all their teeth are in good shape.

Here are some photos, enjoy.

: Jude “JJ” Junior hops up on her step to take a drink and to see who’s coming by to visit. It’s an important day down at my stable.

: First one up is my boy, Clive. This is Dr. Julia Daggett. She is using a giant syringe to rinse out Clive’s mouth, so she could check his teeth.

: Dr. Daggett and Dr. Kim MacKinnon place a speculum on Clive. This is called a McPherson full mouth speculum. It keeps the donkey’s mouth open during the process.

: Next, a speculum light is also attached to help see inside the mouth including the back molars. Adult donkeys have 40 teeth – 12 incisors, four canines, 12 premolars, and 12 molars.

: The process of correcting any sharp edges or misaligned tooth conditions is called floating – filing or rasping an equine’s teeth so that chewing surfaces are smooth and properly contoured for eating. Dr. Daggett, Dr. MacKinnon, and veterinary technician, Carly Dickerson, use a power floater to file down and smooth Clive’s back molars which are rubbing against the sides of his mouth and causing some irritation.

: Floats are about 21-inches long. The long handles allow Dr. MacKinnon to get to the back molars easily. She works gently and slowly, always talking to the donkey to keep him relaxed. The key to working with any equine is to gain their trust, which in turn helps them calm down.

: Truman “TJ” Junior and Rufus watch Clive from the other side of the stall. Donkeys are herd animals, so they don’t like being separated from other members of their pack. We always keep my donkeys together, so they always know where their friends are.

: A look inside shows Clive’s teeth after they were floated. Filing them smooth will instantly feel more comfortable the next time he chews.

: Next up is “TJ.” Power floating, or floating with a power tool attached to the file, is a popular method. It does not hurt, and can get the job done more quickly. The veterinarians are also checking for proper equilibration – the process of ensuring all the teeth are in contact and bear the same amount of pressure and wear.

: Much of the examination is done by feel. The edges of each tooth are felt to be sure it is not too sharp or pointed which could cut into the skin.

: After all three of their exams, these boys are happy and looking for treats.

: Helen comes over with a cookie for each of the boys.

: Here, “TJ” watches as the veterinary team moves next door to the girls’ stall.

: It’s Billie’s turn. The same process is done for every donkey – first her mouth is rinsed of any hay or grass.

: And then her mouth is checked thoroughly before any floating is done. Regular dental exams and floating are an important part of any horse’s preventative health care plan. Donkeys should have their teeth checked yearly, and more often if there are any issues being treated.

: Billie has the best looking teeth of the five – very little filing is needed and her bite is in great condition.

: Here, Dr. MacKinnon also checks the front teeth for any abnormalities. Each donkey takes about a half hour to examine and float. What a good girl you are, Billie.

: It isn’t long before both Billie and “JJ” are also done and back to eating their hay – grown and cut right here at my farm.

: Billie watches as the team cleans up all the tools and supplies. She’s ready to go back out to the paddock where she can run, roll, and graze – her favorite activities.