OUR SERVICES

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At McCarthy Equine Dentistry, we are committed to delivering the highest quality equine dental care, tailored to the individual needs of each horse. We recognize that every horse is unique and deserves a personalized approach to dental treatment.

 

Sean McCarthy is a certified Equine Dental Technician (EqDT) and brings a wealth of experience and continued professional development to his practice. He has participated in numerous equine dental conferences and training programs across the country, including events in Texas, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Florida, Maryland, Virginia, and Massachusetts, among others. As advancements in veterinary medicine and technology continue to evolve, McCarthy Equine Dentistry remains dedicated to staying current with the latest research and techniques. We utilize state-of-the-art equipment to ensure your horse receives exceptional care at a competitive and fair rate.

 

It is important to note that each state has its own legal regulations regarding the scope of practice for Equine Dental Technicians. Sean McCarthy adheres strictly to these regulations and will not compromise his professional integrity or licensure by performing procedures outside the legal scope of practice. Depending on state law, services such as wolf tooth removal, routine floating, use of motorized dental equipment, or extraction of dead or decaying teeth may require veterinary supervision or assistance. The prices listed on this page reflect Mr. McCarthy’s standard rates for these services. If your state mandates veterinary involvement for specific procedures, it will be your responsibility to ensure a licensed veterinarian is present during the appointment.

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Farm Call Fee:

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There is no farm call fee for routine appointments. To maximize efficiency and minimize travel costs, appointments are scheduled by region on designated days. This approach allows Sean to reduce travel time while providing cost-effective services to clients.

 

Emergency Fee: 

 

Please note that requests for emergency or unscheduled visits may incur an additional fee.

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Exam Fee:

 

Effective January 1, 2016, a $20 examination fee will be applied to all dental evaluations. This comprehensive exam includes the use of a full-mouth speculum and a detailed assessment of each tooth.

 

If no dental work is required at the time of the exam, no additional charges will be incurred. Based on the horse’s age, health status, and examination findings, Sean will provide individualized recommendations for re-evaluation, typically in six months or one year.

 

If a float is deemed necessary during the exam, the $20 examination fee will be waived. Please refer to the pricing section below for detailed information on float services.

 

Routine Float:

 

$100/each for 1-3 or $90/each for 4 or more floated at the same time. ​

 

A routine float involves the removal of sharp enamel points and the comprehensive balancing of the equine mouth, including the incisors. This approach enhances the horse’s ability to chew efficiently, reduces feed waste, and may support weight gain in older horses and those classified as “hard keepers.” There are no additional fees for addressing occlusal abnormalities such as waves, ramps, or hooks during the routine float.

 

 

Wolf Tooth Extraction:

 

Many horses are born with wolf teeth, which are small, vestigial premolars located just in front of the first cheek teeth. While not all wolf teeth cause discomfort, they can interfere with the bit and lead to oral sensitivity or pain in some horses. These teeth are typically small and can often be removed with minimal difficulty.

In some cases, a horse may have blind wolf teeth—teeth that do not fully erupt through the gum line. Although not visible, these can often be palpated beneath the surface and may contribute to behavioral or performance issues if left untreated.

 

Regulations regarding wolf tooth extraction vary by state, and in certain jurisdictions, a licensed veterinarian must be present for the procedure. When necessary, we coordinate with clients to schedule Sean's visit alongside routine veterinary appointments, such as vaccinations and Coggins testing, to ensure efficient and compliant care.

 

 

​Molar and Incisor Extraction:  

 

As horses age or experience trauma, their teeth may begin to die or decay, leading to a breakdown of the tooth structure. This deterioration can result in oral infections, abscesses, and significant discomfort, ultimately affecting the horse’s ability to chew and maintain proper nutrition. In such cases, extraction of the affected tooth may become necessary as a last resort to preserve the horse’s overall health and well-being.

 

While dental extractions are generally safe, they are not without risks. Potential complications, though uncommon, may include excessive bleeding, damage to surrounding structures, sinus involvement, or delayed healing. Due to the complexity and potential for adverse outcomes, we perform extractions only in the presence of a licensed veterinarian. This collaborative approach ensures that appropriate sedation, pain management, and follow-up care are administered to support the best possible outcome for your horse.

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Removal of Caps and Fragments:

 

Young horses naturally shed their deciduous (baby) teeth as their permanent teeth begin to erupt. However, in some cases, the baby teeth do not fully dislodge, resulting in retained caps. While typically not painful, these caps can interfere with the proper eruption and alignment of the permanent teeth, potentially leading to long-term dental complications. Timely removal of retained caps is a straightforward and painless procedure that can significantly support proper dental development and overall oral health in young horses.

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Free Educational Clinics:

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Sean McCarthy, EqDT, is passionate about equine education and offers free educational clinics to 4-H groups, riding clubs, schools, boarding barns, and any other organizations interested in learning more about equine dentistry. These interactive sessions provide valuable insight into the importance of routine dental care, common dental issues in horses, and how proper dental maintenance can enhance a horse’s comfort, health, and performance. Sean welcomes the opportunity to share his knowledge with both youth and adult audiences and believes that informed horse owners are essential to the well-being of the animals they care for.