Complications Following Mandibular Cheek Tooth Extraction in 20 Horses.
Abstract: The objectives of this retrospective study were to describe the prevalence and characteristics of post-operative complications that occur following equine mandibular cheek tooth extractions and to assess for possible associated risk factors. Clinically significant post-extraction complications necessitating repeat referral developed following 20/302 (6.6%) mandibular cheek tooth extractions. Horses developing complications were younger than the overall population having mandibular cheek teeth extractions and the most commonly affected teeth were the Triadan 07 s and 09 s. Alveolar sequestration was the most prevalent complication, occurring in 18/20 horses (90%), with the complete alveolus sequestering in some cases. Post-extraction mandibular fistula formation occurred in 5/20 cases (25%) and mandibular abscessation in 4/20 cases (20%). All cases were successfully treated, including sequestrectomy, and wound debridement with some cases taking up to 5 months for resolution. Anatomical features of the equine mandibular alveoli and bone appears to make them more prone to develop extensive sequestration compared to published complications on maxillary alveolar bone. This requires good pre-operative examination including diagnostic imaging to identify cases of higher risk and thorough risk disclosure toward horse owners as well as owners' compliance.
Copyright © 2020 Gergeleit and Bienert-Zeit.
Publication Date: 2020-08-13 PubMed ID: 32923469PubMed Central: PMC7457057DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00504Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research article focuses on complications that horses can face after having their mandibular cheek tooth extracted. The study found that horses are more susceptible to specific post-operative complications and these complications can lead to additional treatment or procedures.
Research Objectives and Methodology
- The primary goal of this study was to summarize the rate and characteristics of post-operative complications in horses that occur after the extraction of mandibular cheek teeth and explore any potential risk factors that may contribute to these complications.
- For the research, the team carried out a retrospective study which involved revisiting and analyzing data and results from previous cases.
- The study looked at 302 cases of mandibular cheek tooth extractions in horses and found that a total of 20 cases (6.6%) resulted in significant post-extraction complications—requiring more veterinary intervention.
Findings and Implications
- The study discovered that horses that developed complications after the extraction were, on average, younger than horses that did not develop complications.
- Among the most prevalent complications, the researchers found alveolar sequestration to be the most common, which occurred in 18 out of 20 cases. Also, in some cases, the entire alveolus was sequestrating. Alveolar sequestration consists of a segment of the bone that has lost its blood supply, dies, and then separates from healthy bone. This process can be painful and calls for further treatment.
- In 25% of cases, a mandibular fistula (an abnormal passageway within the body) was formed post-operative, while in 20% of cases, mandibular abscessation (a collection of pus in the mouth due to infection) was observed. These complications also required supplementary treatments.
- All of the examined cases were eventually successfully treated. However, in some cases, recoveries lasted up to 5 months due to the extent of the complications.
- The study deduced that certain anatomical features of the equine mandibular alveoli and bone make them more inclined to develop extensive sequestration compared to maxillary alveolar bone (bone in the upper jaw).
- This study’s findings imply the necessity of thorough pre-operative examinations, including diagnostic imaging, to recognize high-risk cases. It highlights the importance of clear communication about potential risks with horse owners and the need for vigilance by owners after such surgeries.
Cite This Article
APA
Gergeleit H, Bienert-Zeit A.
(2020).
Complications Following Mandibular Cheek Tooth Extraction in 20 Horses.
Front Vet Sci, 7, 504.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.00504 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
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This article includes 16 references
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Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Klopfenstein Bregger MD, de Preux M, Brünisholz HP, Van der Vekens E, Schweizer D, Koch C. Cheek tooth repulsion aided by computer-assisted surgery in 16 equids. Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1571539.
- Leps A, Korsos S, Clarysse M, Vlaminck L. Dental sectioning for intraoral equine cheek teeth extractions: 29 cases. Front Vet Sci 2024;11:1367861.
- Górski K, Stefanik E, Turek B, Bereznowski A, Czopowicz M, Polkowska I, Domino M. Malocclusions and Dental Diseases in Privately Owned Horses in the Mazovia Region of Poland. Animals (Basel) 2022 Nov 11;12(22).
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