Helena's first dental

Helena was born at one of the Holding Bases on 12th October 2013 and is growing into a beautiful young lady. She has been well handled since the day she was born and is very good when having her hooves trimmed, when standing on the weighing scales and whilst having her vaccinations.

Now that she has a full set of baby teeth, and at the end of the year will begin to get her adult teeth, our vet needed to have a look inside her mouth to make sure there were no problems. We also wanted her to get used to having the dentist look inside her mouth.

Although the equipment can look quite scary, using it is the only way that the teeth at the very back of the jaw can be checked accurately and safely. After all, those teeth go back almost in line with her eye and donkeys have extremely strong jaws.

Our little girl took it all in her stride standing quietly while the vet put the gag on, and didn’t bat an eyelid when he opened it so he could put his hand inside. Not only were her teeth in excellent condition, but we’re so proud of her being much braver having her teeth checked than any of us! From now on she will be getting her teeth checked at least once a year like all of her friends. Bravo Helena!