Unilateral, Rostral Maxillary Sinusitis Resulting from Displacement and Retention of an Alveolar Plug in a 4-Year-Old Horse

Abstract

Sinusitis is a common occurrence in horses and often develops secondary to dental disease. Extraction of cheek teeth in horses is associated with variable degrees of complications and although postoperative displacement and retention of alveolar plugs has been identified as one such potential complication, few cases of resulting sinusitis have been reported. This manuscript describes a four-year-old Thoroughbred mare that was presented for chronic unilateral left-sided mucopurulent nasal discharge after extraction of the left maxillary second molar tooth two months earlier. Radiographic and computed tomographic (CT) examinations revealed a well circumscribed, soft tissue opacity in the left rostral sinus compartment. Intraoral examination revealed feed impacted in the alveolus of the extracted tooth and an oral sinus fistula. Upper airway endoscopy showed thick, purulent material at the nasomaxillary aperture. Sinoscopy showed unexpectedly clean frontal, dorsal conchal and caudal maxillary sinuses. The alveolar dental plug associated with previous exodontia became apparent within the sinus and was removed through the sinoscopy portal. Repeat endoscopies confirmed progressive clearance of the sinusitis during hospitalization. Unilateral nasal discharge returned three months later. An abscess within the sinus had formed. Complete resolution of the sinusitis was achieved after lancing the abscess and further sinus lavage. Sinoscopy through a frontal sinus trephination portal proved useful in diagnosis and treatment. Detailed evaluation of structures allowed for rapid establishment of adequate drainage and communication between all sinus compartments without osteoplastic surgery.