Endodontic Therapy and Surgical Excision of a Chronic Suppurative Osteomyelitic Lesion in a Horse: A Case Report

Abstract

A 22 year old thoroughbred gelding was presented for evaluation and treatment of chronic dental disease. The horse had a history of quidding and abnormal bit behavior. Intraoral examination revealed signs of chronic generalized gingival inflammation and severe dental caries affecting the maxillary and mandibular incisor teeth. Treatment was provided on two separate visits over an interval of four months. The first visit consisted of the surgical extraction of three unrestorable incisor teeth and restoration of six carious maxillary incisor teeth. The second visit consisted of conventional endodontic therapy on the remaining mandibular incisor teeth and the surgical removal of a chronic suppurative osteomyelitic lesion. Immediate and long term improvements in eating habits were noted. Three month follow-up examinations following completion of treatment have shown the teeth to be in functional position, the restorations intact, and the surgical site well healed.