Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Bacterial meningitis after dental extraction in a 17-year-old horse.
- Journal:
- The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne
- Year:
- 2021
- Authors:
- Arndt, Stefanie et al.
- Affiliation:
- William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (Arndt · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 17-year-old Thoroughbred gelding developed bacterial meningitis, which is an infection of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, after having a tooth extracted. Five days after the dental procedure, he showed signs of intermittent fever, loose stools, and mild abdominal pain. The diagnosis of meningitis was confirmed through tissue examination. This case highlights that bacterial meningitis can be a rare but serious complication following dental work in horses, especially if they develop a fever shortly after the extraction. The treatment for this condition was not detailed, but the report emphasizes the importance of considering this diagnosis in similar cases.
Abstract
Dental extractions in horses may result in bacteremia, which can lead to systemic complications. Bacterial meningitis following oral cheek tooth extractions in a 17-year-old Thoroughbred gelding is described in this report. The bacterial meningitis was confirmed by histopathology. The gelding was presented for evaluation of intermittent fever, loose feces, and mild colic signs which started 5 days after cheek tooth extraction. This case illustrates a rare complication associated with oral tooth extraction in a horse and highlights the unusual presenting features of meningitis. Key clinical message: Bacterial meningitis secondary to oral cheek tooth extraction should be considered as differential diagnosis; particularly in cases with the development of pyrexia a few days after the procedure.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33867555/