Permanent cheek teeth that are loose and in need of extraction are a fairly common finding in older horses (mid-teens and older).  I extract approximately 20 permanent cheek teeth per month.  These loose teeth can be extracted via the oral cavity in the standing, sedated horse. 

     Prior to extraction, I discuss with the owner possible complications, aftercare and the importance of regular dental maintenance for the remainder of the horse’s life. 

     Additional sedation is needed as well as an injection of  anti-inflammatory medication and antibiotics.  I sometimes recommend that antibiotics be continued (in oral form) for a few days following the procedure. It is also true that the source of infection is being removed and I consider each case individually when making recommendations involving aftercare and follow-up antibiotics.

     If some bleeding occurs during the procedure, I advise the owner that the horse may drop one or two blood clots from the mouth over the next  48 hours.

     I do not pack the tooth socket as it seals in bacteria.  Instead I sometimes recommend that the horse be fed a complete pelleted ration, made into a mash by adding water.  

     Although individual reaction varies, following several extractions from a single patient, the horse typically begins to eat immediately following the procedure. In other cases it may take a few days for sensitivity to subside before an equine dental patient is back to normal with their eating habits.

     In all cases we rely upon client feedback to keep us advised about the patient’s condition.