|
|
Discussion on Diastema / Sinus Infection - Non-surgical options?
|
| Author |
Message |
New Member:
odyssey
|
Posted on Friday, Nov 18, 2011 - 1:20 pm:
Hi Dr O.,
I have a 30yo gelding who has been diagnosed with a unilateral sinus infection. Xrays show that he has a diastema that is the likely source of the infection. So far the only symptom has been a foul smelling discharge from his left nostril.
My regular vet referred us to a surgeon at the local vet school. She reviewed the xrays and said that though further xrays would be required she agreed that the diastema was the most likely cause of the infection. She goes on to say that the treatment is standing surgery to remove the tooth to enlarge the gap, etc...
The Xrays showed another diastema that at this time isn't causing problems. Future problems weren't mentioned by my vet or the surgeon, but naturally I'm concerned about it. I'm reluctant to do surgery now and a year or the two down the road and my guy may not be a candidate for surgery of any sort. (The old fellow is in really good shape now, but he is starting to decline.)
I've reviewed your info and see a couple of non-surgical options, widening the space between the teeth with drilling and the use of PMMA. Are either of these techniques in widespread practice? Is there any more information known about their effectiveness? Do you know of any clinics or schools that do use these non-surgical techniques?
Thank you for your help. You and your site are much appreciated.
-Jackie B.
|
Moderator:
DrO
|
Posted on Saturday, Nov 19, 2011 - 6:54 pm:
Welcome Jackie,
I think you may have misread the article or I am not understanding what the vet is proposing. Your post indicates that the veterinarian has recommended what is in article: removal of the tooth and flushing of the sinus. Maybe the problem is the word "surgery". Both removal of the tooth and flushing of the sinus are considered surgery. If there is no disease of the tooth (rare I would think as the septic track will usually involve the tooth root) then that step may not be needed and just the widening, PMMA, and flushing would then be indicated.
DrO
|
|
|
