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Moore Equine Dental Education

In this video, we show a case of what appears to be EOTRH, but it turns out to be something else. We explain how it can be dangerous to use a speculum on those teeth and the importance of using radiographs to obtain a diagnosis. Brought to you by Nick Moore D.V.M. http://www.mooredvm.com Keyword: Horse dentistry, equine dentistry, horse floating, floating teeth, veterinary dentistry, equine dental surgery, equine dental procedures, tooth extraction in horses, tooth infection in horses, broken teeth in horses, dental fractures in horses, horse vet, horse doctor, wolf teeth, natural dentistry horses, equine dental education, abscessed tooth on a horse, root canal in horses, dental care in horses, animal dentistry, veterinary education, veterinary training, how to float horse teeth, do horses need dentistry, draft horse, quarter horse, mustang, warmblood, dressage, thoroughbred, hunter-jumper, barrel racing, team roping, rodeo, horse racing, horse health, geriatric horse, horse rescue, pleasure horse, horse disease, horse feed, horse diet, sinus infection horses, sinusitis horses, sinus disease horses, Moore equine, Texas horse vet, aaep, dental specialist horses

Caring for young horses presents unique challenges, and one issue that arises occasionally is swelling in the lower jaw. This post will guide you through the veterinary process of diagnosing and treating jaw fractures and associated dental issues in young horses, based on a recent case. Initial Assessment: Checking for Jaw Fractures When a young horse presents with sudden jaw swelling, the first crucial step is to take an X-ray. This helps rule out a jaw fracture, as applying a mouth speculum (used to hold the mouth open) on a fractured jaw can exacerbate the injury, especially if there’s a hairline fracture. Stable vs. Unstable Fractures In this case, the horse had a stable jaw fracture. A stable fracture, where bones aren't shifting, allows for conservative treatment, as a callus can form around the fracture to help it heal. However, if the fracture were unstable, the bones would move, preventing healing, and surgery with plates, screws, or external fixators would be necessary to stabilize the jaw. Secondary Issues: Tooth Root Abscesses One common complication with jaw fractures is a tooth root abscess. The fracture can expose tooth roots to bacteria, leading to infection. This was true for our case, where the horse developed an abscess in the root of a fractured tooth, causing pain and swelling. An infected tooth delays the healing of the jaw, so it’s often necessary to extract the affected tooth once the fracture is sufficiently healed. Timing the Extraction It’s essential to wait until the bone has healed enough to withstand the stress of an extraction. Typically, veterinarians aim for around eight weeks post-fracture to allow healing while preventing the abscess from worsening. In our case, the fractured jaw was stable, enabling us to proceed with the extraction safely. Surgical Precision and Efficiency The procedure must be efficient to minimize stress and ensure a smooth recovery. This involves careful sedation, local anesthesia, and surgical precision. Efficient extractions typically take 20 to 60 minutes. However, the right tools and experience are critical, as improper technique or excessive force can harm the horse. Post-Procedure Check After the extraction, veterinarians take follow-up X-rays to ensure no tooth fragments remain. In this case, we confirmed that all pieces of the broken tooth and dead tissue were removed, eliminating the infection source. The surgical time, from nerve blocks to postoperative checks, took under an hour, showcasing the importance of a well-organized, efficient process. Key Takeaways for Horse Owners and Veterinarians Initial X-ray: Always X-ray for a fracture before examining the mouth, as improper handling can worsen a potential fracture. Assess Fracture Stability: Stable fractures can often heal with time, while unstable fractures require surgical intervention. Address Tooth Root Abscesses: If an abscess forms, wait until the jaw is strong enough before extracting the tooth. Prioritize Precision: Efficient, precise techniques minimize stress and improve outcomes for the horse. By following these steps, veterinarians can better manage jaw fractures and related dental issues in young horses, providing a smoother recovery and a faster return to normal eating and chewing behavior. If you found this helpful, be sure to like and share, and follow us for more insights on equine care! Mandibular Xray Videos: https://youtu.be/_5AhkqmV7wg?feature=shared https://youtu.be/Mv47g1p2wgA?feature=shared Brought to you by Nick Moore D.V.M. http://www.mooredvm.com Keyword: Horse dentistry, equine dentistry, horse floating, floating teeth, veterinary dentistry, equine dental surgery, equine dental procedures, tooth extraction in horses, tooth infection in horses, broken teeth in horses, dental fractures in horses, horse vet, horse doctor, wolf teeth, natural dentistry horses, equine dental education, abscessed tooth on a horse, root canal in horses, dental care in horses, animal dentistry, veterinary education, veterinary training, how to float horse teeth, do horses need dentistry, draft horse, quarter horse, mustang, warmblood, dressage, thoroughbred, hunter-jumper, barrel racing, team roping, rodeo, horse racing, horse health, geriatric horse, horse rescue, pleasure horse, horse disease, horse feed, horse diet, sinus infection horses, sinusitis horses, sinus disease horses, Moore equine, Texas horse vet, aaep, dental specialist horses

Equine Dentistry Courses: https://www.mooredvmeducation.com/ Radiograph Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yV0ZB1Gc3Ak https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5AhkqmV7wg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1olDt84XRys Cases can sometimes present as one thing, only to reveal themselves as something more complex. This horse initially presented with what seemed like a simple dental abscess but was ultimately diagnosed with a combination of dental issues and a facial fracture. Case Background: The Initial Symptoms The horse initially came in with a draining abscess along the facial crest and nasal discharge that indicated sinusitis. Sinusitis in horses is often due to infections or trauma, but the initial diagnosis can be tricky because it overlaps with dental issues. Examining the horse revealed an open wound on the facial crest and nasal discharge on the left side. When examined by the referring veterinarian the 208 showed a fracture, the 208 was partially removed but the tooth roots could not be extracted at the time, so the veterinarian referred the horse to us. This region and the sinus anatomy would play a key role in understanding the horse's condition. Diagnostic Findings and Dental Examination After receiving the history the additional findings in the dental exam included: Infundibular Caries: Tooth 106 displayed infundibular caries, as did several others with varying grades. Severe and Expired Regions: The 108 was classified as expired, and further examination revealed severe degradation on several other teeth. It’s essential in these cases to understand equine dental anatomy. The proximity of tooth roots to the sinus cavity means that any infection in the roots can easily spread to the sinuses. A thin layer of bone, about the size of a fingernail, separates the roots from the sinus cavity. Once this barrier is compromised, infections can travel into the sinuses, which can lead to external drainage and swelling. Radiographic Analysis and Fracture Discovery X-rays showed the root fragments from the 208, and an unusual radiographic view revealed a fracture along the facial crest with a small piece of bone, known as a sequestrum, breaking away. This fracture explained the sinusitis and external drainage symptoms. While external trauma, such as kicks or bumps, can cause these types of fractures, it can also stem from chronic infection. Pus, which follows the path of least resistance, can sometimes work its way from the sinus cavity outward, manifesting as drainage through the facial tissue. Multimodal Treatment Approach A comprehensive treatment plan was devised to address all underlying issues: Restoration of Affected Teeth: Severe cases of infundibular caries were restored to prevent future fractures, providing stability to the weakened teeth. Removal of Root Fragments: The fragments left behind from the previous 208 tooth fracture were extracted under local anesthesia. Sequestrectomy of the Facial Crest: The bone sequestrum was carefully removed. Even a small fragment like this can cause significant infection, inflammation, and pain if not addressed. The removal would help reduce the sinusitis and prevent future drainage from the wound. Why Comprehensive Treatment Matters in Equine Dentistry Overlapping symptoms can mask the underlying problem, and what may appear as a simple dental issue might involve surrounding structures like the sinuses or facial bones. Addressing only the visible symptoms often leads to recurring problems, making a thorough examination and treatment essential. Through the extraction of root fragments, restorations, and bone sequestrum removal, this horse has a much-improved chance of a complete recovery. Not only will these interventions prevent future infection and discomfort, but they will also restore the horse’s oral health, ensuring long-term well-being. https://www.mooredvmeducation.com/post/facial-fracture-dental-disease-in-a-horse Brought to you by Nick Moore D.V.M. http://www.mooredvm.com Keyword: Horse dentistry, equine dentistry, horse floating, floating teeth, veterinary dentistry, equine dental surgery, equine dental procedures, tooth extraction in horses, tooth infection in horses, broken teeth in horses, dental fractures in horses, horse vet, horse doctor, wolf teeth, natural dentistry horses, equine dental education, abscessed tooth on a horse, root canal in horses, dental care in horses, animal dentistry, veterinary education, veterinary training, how to float horse teeth, do horses need dentistry, draft horse, quarter horse, mustang, warmblood, dressage, thoroughbred, hunter-jumper, barrel racing, team roping, rodeo, horse racing, horse health, geriatric horse, horse rescue, pleasure horse, horse disease, horse feed, horse diet, sinus infection horses, sinusitis horses, sinus disease horses, Moore equine, Texas horse vet, aaep, dental specialist horses

In this video, we show you how we take 4 views of radiographs on an equine mandible. Brought to you by Nick Moore D.V.M. http://www.mooredvm.com https://www.mooredvmeducation.com/ Keyword: Horse dentistry, equine dentistry, horse floating, floating teeth, veterinary dentistry, equine dental surgery, equine dental procedures, tooth extraction in horses, tooth infection in horses, broken teeth in horses, dental fractures in horses, horse vet, horse doctor, wolf teeth, natural dentistry horses, equine dental education, abscessed tooth on a horse, root canal in horses, dental care in horses, animal dentistry, veterinary education, veterinary training, how to float horse teeth, do horses need dentistry, draft horse, quarter horse, mustang, warmblood, dressage, thoroughbred, hunter-jumper, barrel racing, team roping, rodeo, horse racing, horse health, geriatric horse, horse rescue, pleasure horse, horse disease, horse feed, horse diet, sinus infection horses, sinusitis horses, sinus disease horses, Moore equine, Texas horse vet, aaep, dental specialist horses

In this video, we extract a horse's tooth using a minimally invasive transbuccal technique. Brought to you by Nick Moore D.V.M. http://www.mooredvm.com Keyword: Horse dentistry, equine dentistry, horse floating, floating teeth, veterinary dentistry, equine dental surgery, equine dental procedures, tooth extraction in horses, tooth infection in horses, broken teeth in horses, dental fractures in horses, horse vet, horse doctor, wolf teeth, natural dentistry horses, equine dental education, abscessed tooth on a horse, root canal in horses, dental care in horses, animal dentistry, veterinary education, veterinary training, how to float horse teeth, do horses need dentistry, draft horse, quarter horse, mustang, warmblood, dressage, thoroughbred, hunter-jumper, barrel racing, team roping, rodeo, horse racing, horse health, geriatric horse, horse rescue, pleasure horse, horse disease, horse feed, horse diet, sinus infection horses, sinusitis horses, sinus disease horses, Moore equine, Texas horse vet, aaep, dental specialist horses

Extracting a Massive Draft Tooth! Brought to you by Nick Moore D.V.M. http://www.mooredvm.com Keyword: Horse dentistry, equine dentistry, horse floating, floating teeth, veterinary dentistry, equine dental surgery, equine dental procedures, tooth extraction in horses, tooth infection in horses, broken teeth in horses, dental fractures in horses, horse vet, horse doctor, wolf teeth, natural dentistry horses, equine dental education, abscessed tooth on a horse, root canal in horses, dental care in horses, animal dentistry, veterinary education, veterinary training, how to float horse teeth, do horses need dentistry, draft horse, quarter horse, mustang, warmblood, dressage, thoroughbred, hunter-jumper, barrel racing, team roping, rodeo, horse racing, horse health, geriatric horse, horse rescue, pleasure horse, horse disease, horse feed, horse diet, sinus infection horses, sinusitis horses, sinus disease horses, Moore equine, Texas horse vet, aaep, dental specialist horses

Join us for our upcoming Equine Anatomy Course on September 14, 2024 with Professor Carsten Staszyk from Germany. You can find more information about this course at https://www.mooredvmeducation.com/service-page/clinical-equine-hypsodont-anatomy?referral=service_list_widget Brought to you by Nick Moore D.V.M. http://www.mooredvm.com Keyword: Horse dentistry, equine dentistry, horse floating, floating teeth, veterinary dentistry, equine dental surgery, equine dental procedures, tooth extraction in horses, tooth infection in horses, broken teeth in horses, dental fractures in horses, horse vet, horse doctor, wolf teeth, natural dentistry horses, equine dental education, abscessed tooth on a horse, root canal in horses, dental care in horses, animal dentistry, veterinary education, veterinary training, how to float horse teeth, do horses need dentistry, draft horse, quarter horse, mustang, warmblood, dressage, thoroughbred, hunter-jumper, barrel racing, team roping, rodeo, horse racing, horse health, geriatric horse, horse rescue, pleasure horse, horse disease, horse feed, horse diet, sinus infection horses, sinusitis horses, sinus disease horses, Moore equine, Texas horse vet, aaep, dental specialist horses