Laz got his grill floated today!
It's been since September of 2008 since his last float because right before his 2nd was due, he got mega sick. So it's been put off until now and boy was he due!
Thanks to Miles's Mom for the reference for this equine dentist.
For those in Michigan, his name is Doug LaRose and he ROCKS!!!
He gets our rave review!
First off...big plus...No sedation!!!
Second plus..he was not only on time..he was early! The whole process took about 35 minutes.
Thirdly...he takes his time, he talks to the horse and encourages him through the process.
Way more gentle of a float than I've ever seen..and I've seen a lot.
He showed me that indeed Laz does have his wolf teeth removed and where he had hooks on his molars, etc etc. He also clipped his canines and filed them down. Doug was great about showing me what he was going to do-how it looked before and how it looked after. He was also very cool about me taking photos/video and answered all my questions.
What I LOVED about him was his process of how he does it.
He haltered him with his own halter/rope lead and when I offered how I could help, he said..."just watch the gate." LOL!
He started with Laz with no tools in his hand, and just rubbing his nose and forehead telling me he likes to establish his trust and their cues. Each time he switched tools or sides, he lightly rubbed the tool on Laz's nose telling him 'your good.' I appreciate that patience and communication.
"Um Mom..this is not to be shared on the internet...k?"
If/when Laz wanted to move, Doug moved with him instead of yanking him down.
There was no fight. Laz was very, very calm about it.
And a brief video of Doug in action with Laz
Oh and a quick update. We had a FAB ride Thurs night where Laz wanted to buck and hump his shoulders up while trotting. He almost deseated me a couple times in fact. I think it's time I get an actual bitless bridle instead of just halter riding along with bareback.
ReplyDeleteToday, he seemed a bit tired and maaaaybe a little gimpier so now of course I feel like "did I push him?" but he wanted to play..it wasn't bucking at pain. He was playful and in good spirits. I wish so bad that his foot would heal faster for him!!!
Hooray! I'm so glad you and Laz liked him. I laughed at the video-Miles had the exact same expression on his face when his teeth were getting done-like "Okkkkkkkaaaaaay this is veeeeeery strange but it doesn't hurt so I shall stand here but continue to be wary of this strange man and his contraption". It's so nice to find a professional you can trust in the horse world:)
ReplyDeleteI do believe I know Doug! Ask him if he boarded his horses in Ontario once. I think he spoke to my 4-H group a few years ago. His name/he looks really familiar.
ReplyDeleteLaz is having quite a few appointments lately, isn't he? :-) Lol, our horses really are lovely little money pits -- every time you turn around, they need something else!
ReplyDeleteGlad to see that you found such a great, gentle equine dentist. And I, like you, always appreciate it when they show you everything before/after, explain what's going on, etc. My last equine dentist was so great, he would have me put my hand in Mac's mouth to actually feel all the hooks, etc., and then he would have me feel afterwards so I could see the difference. I love it when they take their time like that and really include you in the process.
I've been reading a lot lately about some of the negatives of power floating. At first, I was right on board, but now I'm thinking the old-school hand floating method is the way to go.
Laz is such a rockstar as always! A great dentist is a good thing to find. I love the ones that take the time to show you exactly what they are doing and the before and after. Worth their weight in gold!
ReplyDeleteAww Laz is such a good boy!! I've been dreading finding an equine dentist for Chrome. I don't want my horses traumatized, but my state seems to be the slowest when it comes to new ideas. I hope I can find someone gentle and patient for his first time getting floated. Thanks for sharing the pictures and videos. Very good information.
ReplyDeleteDental without sedation? Wow. I didn't think it was possible!
ReplyDeleteVery nice. When did you cut off laz's mane? And why, lol? Loved the pics.
ReplyDeleteI love this post. Another great person like Cliff to be with the sweet Laz. Doug sounds like a winner. I like Laz's mane now! It is adorable.
ReplyDeleteCosmetic dentistry helps to increase smile aesthetics.We are an expert in this field and does an excellent job.
ReplyDeleteteeth whitening hemel hempstead