Treating horses’ teeth requires the utmost precision combined with high levels of physical endurance. At the Sachsenwald Large Animal Practice, this also poses significant daily challenges for veterinarians and dental technicians. As part of a field trial, the S700 active shoulder exoskeleton was used to treat several horses. Dr. Dirk Hoffmann, DVM, practice manager at the Sachsenwald Large Animal Practice, shares his experiences from real-world daily practice and highlights the potential of active exoskeletons for use in equine dentistry.

‍

Challenges in Everyday Practice: Precision Work Under Pressure

‍

On a typical day at a horse farm, the three-person team from the Sachsenwald Large Animal Practice, led by Dr. Hoffmann, treats up to 16 horses—each treatment lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. The animals are sedated and treated while standing, while their teeth are filed down using rotating grinding tools. The tools weigh between 1 and 3 kilograms and require constant pressure to be applied.

The real strain, however, comes from the working position: “You’re always in an elevated position, and you really feel it in your shoulders by the evening, ”explains Hoffmann. Whether sitting while working with smaller horses or standing while working with larger animals—the arms are held continuously at chest to head height. At the same time, it’s nearly impossible to brace yourself, since the work takes place directly at the horse’s mouth.

The result is constant muscle tension in the shoulder and neck area. Especially when performing several treatments in a row, the strain really adds up. Fatigue sets in, strength wanes, and this makes it increasingly difficult to maintain the necessary precision.

‍

‍

Noticeable Relief: The S700 Active Shoulder Exoskeleton Put to the Test

‍

To reduce precisely these strains, Dr. Hoffmann tested our S700 active shoulder exoskeleton in everyday clinical practice. His conclusion: The support is clearly noticeable, especially during the typical holding tasks involved in orthodontic treatment.

“It’s an unusual feeling—no longer having to hold your arm up with so much effort. You get support that stabilizes your position,” explains Hoffmann. The exoskeleton specifically relieves pressure on the shoulders by taking the load (the weight of the arm and the tool) off them, thereby noticeably reducing the tension in the shoulder and neck muscles.

What’s particularly interesting is that the relief you feel while using it tends to be unconscious. “While you’re working, you don’t really notice it that much. But when you take off the exoskeleton after a few hours, you suddenly realize just how heavy your arms actually are.”

Another advantage: Despite the technical support, freedom of movement is fully preserved. This is especially crucial in equine dentistry, which requires a lot of upper-body movement. “I wasn’t restricted for even a second. It was very comfortable to wear—just like a backpack,” said Hoffmann.

‍

‍

‍

His conclusion is correspondingly positive: The exoskeleton provides support exactly where the greatest strain occurs—when holding the arms in an elevated position and performing tasks that involve pressure. For him, one thing is certain: “I would recommend that every colleague in the field of equine dental technology try out this device for themselves.”

The field test at the Sachsenwald Large Animal Practice impressively demonstrates that exoskeletons like the S700 can significantly reduce physical strain in equine dentistry without limiting workflow. The S700 active shoulder exoskeleton once again proves to be a valuable aid for greater endurance, precision, and long-term health in everyday work.

‍

‍

TO DO: Insert video as an embedded link

https://youtu.be/yCFhbdrzI-A

‍