Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Diagnosis and surgical treatment of periapical infection of the third mandibular molar in five horses.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1999
- Authors:
- Gayle, J M et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
In a study involving five horses with infections around their lower back teeth, researchers found that four of them had recently undergone dental work. To diagnose the problem, they used several imaging techniques. X-rays showed signs of bone damage around the tooth in three horses, while ultrasound helped identify abscesses in the jaw muscle and other issues in four horses. One horse was diagnosed using a special imaging technique called nuclear scintigraphy. All the horses had the affected tooth surgically removed, and the procedure went well with minimal complications, leading to good healing and appearance afterward.
Abstract
Diagnosis and treatment of periapical infection of the third mandibular molar in 5 horses was assessed. In 4 of 5 horses, there was a recent history of dental work performed. Diagnosis required multiple imaging techniques. Radiography revealed evidence of periapical bone lysis or tooth root lysis of the third mandibular molar in 3 of 5 horses. Sonographic examination was effective in identifying abscesses within the masseter muscle and defects of the lateral cortex of the mandible in 4 of 5 horses. Nuclear scintigraphy was diagnostic in 1 of 2 horses examined. All horses were treated by repulsion of the affected tooth. The surgical approach involved elevating the masseter muscle from the caudal portion of the mandible. This approach provided excellent access to the affected tooth with minimal postoperative complications. All incisions healed with good cosmetic results.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10496139/