A long-term study of equine cheek teeth post-extraction complications: 428 cheek

Equine Vet J. 2020 Mar 6.
A long-term study of equine cheek teeth post-extraction complications: 428 cheek teeth (2004-2018).
Kennedy R1, Reardon RJR1, James O1, Wilson C1, Dixon PM1.

Author information:
1. Division of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:

Complications, especially delayed alveolar healing, are common following equine cheek teeth extraction, however limited objective information is available on the prevalence and nature of these problems.
OBJECTIVES:

To document the type and prevalence of complications that occur following equine cheek tooth extraction and to identify possible risk factors for these complications that could be used to predict their occurrence and hopefully reduce their prevalence.
STUDY DESIGN:

Retrospective cohort study.
METHODS:

Clinical records of all cheek teeth extractions performed between February 2004 and September 2018 were examined and written questionnaires sent to owners. Details of post-extraction complications were analysed and logistic regression was used to evaluate potential associations between the likelihood of post-extraction non-healing alveolus managed by the authors and the variables: age, breed, reason for extraction, Triadan position and extraction technique.
RESULTS:

Post extraction complications were recorded following 58/428 extractions giving an overall complication rate of 13.6%, that caused a longer-term clinical problem in 34/428 (7.9%), with complications being asymptomatic or quickly self-resolving in the other 24 cases (5.6%). The most frequent complication was alveolar bone sequestration, including with alveolar infection. Risk of developing a post-extraction alveolar disorder managed by the authors (n=53) was increased following extraction of the mandibular 06s, 07s or 08s compared to all other cheek teeth combined (P=0.001); for cheek teeth with apical infections (P=0.002) compared to those without; and following repulsion or minimally-invasive transbuccal extraction (MTE) than following oral extraction (P=0.01 and P=0.02 respectively).
MAIN LIMITATIONS:

Length of time between exodontia and survey data collection for some cases, use of clinical records and survey data, biases associated with decision to treat.
CONCLUSIONS:

In agreement to previous studies, oral extraction had the lowest risk of complications. This study provides new information regarding the prevalence, types and risk of development of post extraction complications. Knowledge of these risk factors may help reduce these complications.