Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Extraction of cheek teeth using a lateral buccotomy approach in 114 horses (1999-2009).
- Journal:
- Equine veterinary journal
- Year:
- 2011
- Authors:
- O'Neill, H D et al.
- Affiliation:
- Donnington Grove Veterinary Surgery · United Kingdom
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This study looked at the results of removing cheek teeth in 114 horses over a ten-year period using a method called lateral buccotomy, which involves making an incision in the cheek. The researchers found that about 31% of horses experienced short-term complications, such as infections or issues with the healing of the wound, but most of these healed well. Some horses had more serious problems, like temporary or permanent facial nerve issues, and one horse had to be euthanized due to complications. Despite these challenges, 92% of the horses returned to their normal activities after more than two months without any further issues. Overall, the study suggests that this surgical method has a good chance of success for horses needing cheek teeth removal.
Abstract
REASON FOR PERFORMING THE STUDY: There are few published data regarding the success rates of cheek tooth (CT) removal by lateral buccotomy in the horse. OBJECTIVES: A retrospective study of 114 horses admitted to 2 private equine referral hospitals over a 10 year period (1999-2009), which underwent CT removal via a lateral buccotomy. METHODS: Hospital records were analysed and details including case details, presenting complaint and results of all diagnostic tests and surgical reports were documented. Information obtained during post operative reassessment was also available for analysis. Long-term follow-up information (>2 months) was obtained for 112 horses. RESULTS: Short-term complications (<2 months) occurred in 24/77 horses (31%) undergoing exodontia of the maxillary CT and 10/37 horses (27%) involving mandibular CT, with the majority arising from partial wound dehiscence and infection following 16 extractions (47%). All healed well by second intention. Other complications included both temporary (n = 6) and permanent (n = 3) facial nerve paralysis, myositis (n = 4) and the inadvertent establishment of an oroantral fistula (n = 4). One myositis case was subjected to euthanasia 24 h post operatively. Five horses had persistent sinusitis following surgery due to dental remnants (n = 2) and excessive packing material (n = 1) found in the sinuses. No inciting cause could be found in the remaining 2 horses. One further horse suffered a fatal cardiac arrest at induction of anaesthesia. Of all horses, 92% operated on had returned to their previous level of work after >2 months with no complications. CONCLUSION: Horses with CT removal by a lateral buccotomy have a reasonable prognosis for long-term outcome. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Performing a lateral buccotomy is a justified treatment alternative for the surgical removal of equine CT following unsuccessful attempts by standing oral extraction, offering advantages over alternatives such as retropulsion, endodontic therapy and periapical curettage.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21492213/