Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Complications from tooth extraction in dogs and cats
By Smith, Mark M et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary dentistry·2003·Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Orbital penetration associated with tooth extraction.
Plain-English summary
A cat and two dogs experienced serious eye problems after having teeth extracted, which led to injuries in the eye socket and, in one case, even brain damage. Unfortunately, three of the pets had to have their affected eyes removed, and one dog died from a brain infection. These complications were caused by a dental tool accidentally damaging the area around the eye during the tooth removal. To avoid such severe outcomes, it's important for pet owners to seek prompt treatment and consider referrals to veterinary eye specialists if complications arise after dental work.
People also search for: cat eye problems after tooth extraction · dog tooth extraction complications · veterinary ophthalmology for pets
Abstract
Three cats and 2 dogs were evaluated for ophthalmologic complications associated with tooth extraction procedures. Orbital penetration leading to ocular and, in one case, brain trauma was secondary to iatrogenic injury from a dental elevator. Outcomes included enucleation of the affected eye in 3 cases, and death from brain abscessation in 1 case. Early treatment or, preferably, referral to a veterinary ophthalmology specialist may prevent such outcomes. Awareness of the anatomical proximity of caudal maxillary tooth roots and the orbit, appropriate interpretation of diagnostic intraoral dental radiographs, and technical proficiency in tooth extraction techniques will minimize these complications in veterinary dental practice.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12751296/