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Penn, K.C.*, Pascoe, R.†, Perkins, J.D*. and Mair, T.S.†
†Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic, Butchers Lane, Mereworth, Kent, ME18 5GS and
*Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Herts, AL9 7TA
Aims: To evaluate and compare the occurrence and severity of complications following oral extraction, extraction via buccotomy and apical repulsion of cheek teeth in horses.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of case records from 76 horses that had exodontia of cheek teeth over a 10 year period was undertaken. Data analysed included signalment, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and short-term post-operative complications. Follow up information on long-term complications was obtained by questionnaire and telephone interview.
Results: Oral extraction was attempted in 37 horses but was unsuccessful in 19 (51%) due to intra-operative complications. Successful exodontia was achieved in 45 horses by apical repulsion and in 13 horses via buccotomy. Following exodontia, short-term complications occurred in 3/18 (17%) of horses after oral extraction, 14/45 (31%) of horses after apical repulsion and 3/13 (23%) of horses after buccotomy. Significantly more short-term complications occurred in horses that had exodontia of a maxillary tooth compared to a mandibular tooth (p=0.03) and following exodontia of a triadan 09-11 compared to a triadan 06-08 (p=0.02). Long-term follow up information was available for 45/76 horses. Long-term complications occurred in 10/25 (40%) of horses following apical repulsion, which was significantly higher than complications in 1/14 (7%) of horses after oral extractions (p=0.03). Long-term complications were reported in 2/6 (33%) of horses following exodontia via buccotomy.
Conclusions and practical significance: The results of this study indicate that oral extraction should be attempted to remove cheek teeth before other techniques. However, owners should be advised that oral extraction is often unsuccessful, and that other techniques to complete cheek tooth exodontia have a poorer long-term outcome.
BVetMed Final Year Elective Project presented by Kathryn Penn at the British Equine Veterinary Association Conference 2008 (LIVE Student Presentation Prize Winner)
