Dental extraction in horses: Indications and preoperative evaluation

Clinical examination of equine teeth is difficult and is usually best achieved by digital oral examination in a sedated patient. Although radiographic examination of the dental apices has its limitations, it is an essential part of the evaluation process. The most common indications for extraction of equine cheek teeth are infections of the apical or periapical area. The causes of these infections are not completely understood but include (1) penetration of infection through the body of the tooth via the infundibula or exposed pulp canals; (2) penetration of food and infection down the periodontal membrane when abnormal spaces occur between adjacent teeth; and (3) in the case young mandibular cheek teeth, external rupture of so-called eruption cysts or hematogenous spread of infection to the developing apices. Extracting equine teeth is a challenging task regardless of the technique used; there is a considerable likelihood of undesirable sequelae, both long-term and short-term. In order to perform such procedures, the practitioner must be thoroughly familiar with equine dental anatomy as well as with clinical and radiographic examination techniques. This article discusses these subjects and considers cheek tooth disorders that require extraction in horses.