Oklahoma vet board reverses rules for equine teeth floating

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA. — New rules that passed last August to allow lay persons in Oklahoma to float horses' teeth have been reversed by the state Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

The rules created the title of equine dental-care provider after an applicant paid a $200 fee to the state board and completed the necessary education requirements. The law also allowed horse owners or their employees—with a prescription and valid veterinarian-client relationship—to administer sedatives often used in teeth-floating procedures.

But in October, two farm bureau groups filed a lawsuit in Oklahoma County District Court challenging the new rules. The veterinary board met with the groups and the parties drafted new rules, but they have yet to be finalized, according to the state board. "Due to the strong interest displayed by numerous industry groups and the time needed to consider their comments, the board believes it is in the best interest of the public and all parties involved to revoke the Emergency Rules," officials say.

The board's action was published April 1.