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  Discussion on Canine teeth problems
Author Message
Member:
Srobert

Posted on Monday, Jan 19, 2004 - 7:24 pm:

I have a five year old TWH who is really quite wonderful. However, he started chewing ferociously at the bit late last summer. I had an equine dentist (recommended by my vet) take a look. He found some hooks, etc that required floating and then pointed out that there was a lot of edema in the roof of his mouth due to the imminent eruption of the canines. At the dentist's suggestion, we rubbed ora-gel on the swollen areas (right over the bump where the teeth were) when riding which seemed to help. The first canine erupted in October. The second is still not through and Max will immediately started to chomp on the bit on that side whenever it is placed in his mouth (a mild curb with 4" shanks). He does not fuss when we use a bosal so I am assuming the chomping is from pain in the mouth not elsewhere. He is still extremely sensitive to anyone touching the "bump" where the tooth is still under the skin. Is it possible we will need to have this lanced or will it most likely eventually erupt on its own? I guess I am concerned that what began as a response to discomfort could turn into a habit. Luckily, we are not riding a lot due to the very cold weather, but I am wondering if I should get going on this now. Anyone have any ideas/suggestions/insights/similar situations?

Also, in case you were wondering, we ride for pleasure and a natural gait - no weighted shoes or "big lick" action.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, Jan 19, 2004 - 9:56 pm:

As far forward as the canines are the bit really should not ride close enough to them to cause trouble. But if we assume the canines are quite rearward and causing trouble, there is not a clear answer as none have reported such trouble with regularity. Will it come through is hard to predict from here but you see many older horses with palpable but unerupted canines that are not causing trouble. Lance it and it will probably just heal back with more pain and lost time. If it is really causing trouble, I would consider removal but the roots are deep enough to require general anesthesia and a bit of removal of overlying bone for removal.
DrO
New Member:
Simpy

Posted on Monday, Jul 11, 2005 - 7:04 pm:

My 10 year old quarter horse will be having a very infected canine tooth removed > I am aware that this surgery is difficult and hate that he has to be under general. What is the best way to care for him post-op. How soon can he be worked at a regular 5 day a week schedule? We have been working him in a halter, and probably will for a couple of weeks afterwards. I asked my vet to put him on antibiotics but he said it wasn't necessary. I insisted however and got him on them. How long afterward should he be on antibiotics? Thank you Dr O for your help.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 12, 2005 - 9:03 am:

Hello Tricia,
Though the surgery is pretty standard the exact answers to your questions will depend on what the surgeon finds when he gets in there and what he does with the wound he creates to remove the tooth. I would follow his instructions carefully is the best advice I can give including the use of antibiotics. In general antibiotics are not indicated here unless there is fever, swelling, or pain.
DrO
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