The objectives of EVDS are to:

1. maintain the highest possible standards by concentrating on only one species - the horse.
2. provide first class non emergency services in the Clarence Valley - rather than a 24 hour service (some weekend appointments are available).
3. continue my passion to help to promote and teach equine dentistry to other professionals around Australia - in order to aim for greater welfare in the horse.
4. continue to service dentistry clients outside of Grafton, including Coffs Harbour and north to the border.

Oliver Liyou B.V.Sc.(Hons) MACVSc: "I am privileged to have acquired knowledge in this important field, and am now keen to share that with others. I will be lecturing in 2004 at the annual Australian Equine Veterinarians Association's annual conference in Darwin. Other trips include Canada, to improve my lameness diagnostics techniques, and learn some new equine dentistry techniques.

"The importance of dentistry in the horse has become rediscovered to the level it was before the arrival of the motor vehicle (which devalued horses significantly - leaving the mouth out of sight & out of mind!)

"Last year I performed performed my first fillings in an old horse's 2 lower canine teeth — avoiding the need for a long and risky general anaesthetic to extract the diseased teeth. It is exciting to see the horse's mouth being looked after better - as has happened with people and small animals. We are all living and staying healthy for longer through better oral care - why should the horse be different?

"My office is my car and mobile phone. Appointments are best made by phone at least 3-7 days in advance to secure your desired time slot. Phoning 0428 515 650 — it is the fastest way to reach us.

"With our heavy workloads , averaging 10-14 hour days, we will continue to not be able to attend to emergency situations at this point in time.

"All procedures are invoiced and payment receipted on the day. With the procedures being elective, I can give you a price estimate when you phone to book.

"I want to remain a useful contributor to the Grafton horse industry. I would like to promote preventative medicine and management through my practice. The end result of this approach is fewer catastrophes (such as colic, lameness, illness and weight loss) as well as better managed, healthier, happier horses. And that usually means a happier horse-owner!

"I will also endeavour to conduct more seminars for local horse owners - similar to the reproduction seminar I organised in 1999, and the equine dentistry/parasite seminar in 2003."

The services offered by EVDS include:

• dentistry
• stud work including ultrasound scanning, infertility investigations & treatments, flushing etc
• castrations
• tendon scanning with ultrasound
• x-rays
• endoscopy - scoping the airways etc
• lameness work-ups
• vaccinations
• parasite control programs - including faecal floatations, and worm and bot drenching
• insurance examinations
• breed certification and DNA/blood typing
• freeze branding
• electrolyte drenches
• IV drips for performance horses
• foot balance problems
• joint injections
• skin disease investigations eg itch, hair loss, infections etc
• skin tumour treatments eg sarcoids, melanomas etc
• routine elective surgeries eg. caslicks
• equine wellness programs (ie. annual visit to update teeth, vacc's, health check, foot balance, diet, and any other husbandry or health issues)
• weight loss investigations
• geriatric horse medicine (how to look after those pensioners)
• euthanasia.
  

For further information, please see Oliver's article on Equine Dentistry.