440 Nicholson Rd, Forrestdale WA 6112
(08) 9397 1286
reception@dentalvet.com.au
Bob
Patient Information
Bob the Thoroughbred's Tooth Extraction
Patient History
EOTRH Progression Found and Addressed
Bob, a 28-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, was brought to Dental Vet for routine dental care. His owner was aware of his previous history of Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis (EOTRH) after having had some teeth extracted elsewhere.
Although he was still eating, his owner had noticed he struggled to bite down on carrots and had become hesitant when using his incisors to grasp hay.
Presenting Problem
Severe Tooth Resorption, Infection and Gum Disease
Under sedation and secured in the clinic’s portable stocks, a full oral examination was performed. The findings were significant. Several draining tracts (channels allowing pus to escape from infection) and pustules were visible in the gums around Bob’s upper incisors, and one tooth showed a deep resorptive lesion (a cavity in the tooth where infection had eroded into the inner layers) packed with feed and debris.
There was marked gum recession and periodontal disease (infection of the tissues supporting the teeth). Bob was also unable to bite down on a carrot and struggled even to grasp hay, which are clear signs of severe oral pain.
Radiographs confirmed extensive resorption of the upper incisors, particularly teeth 101, 102, and 202, while the lower incisors remained stable. Because leaving a single upper incisor can increase fracture risk and offer little functional benefit, the extraction of all remaining upper incisors was recommended. Extraction of the upper left canine was also advised but deferred for a later date.
“EOTRH causes progressive tooth breakdown and chronic pain. Removing diseased teeth restores comfort and prevents further infection.”
Dr Kirsten Jackson
Diagnostics & Treatment
Gentle, Staged Extraction for a Safe and Comfortable Recovery
As with all longer procedures, Bob was sedated, placed in the clinic stocks, and maintained on a sedation CRI (constant-rate infusion delivering steady sedation and pain relief). He also received IV fluids (10 litres during the procedure) to maintain hydration and reduce the risk of post-operative complications.
Bilateral infraorbital nerve blocks were performed to numb the upper jaw, supported by local anaesthetic injections around each tooth. The nerve blocks worked exceptionally well, allowing the team to administer light sedation while ensuring Bob felt no discomfort.
The diseased incisors (101, 102, 201 and 202) were carefully extracted, and post-extraction X-rays confirmed complete removal of all dental material. After the procedure, Bob received additional systemic pain relief, a paraffin oil drench, as well as oral fluids and electrolytes to aid hydration and gut motility. He was given ongoing pain relief for home care, and his owner was instructed to rinse his mouth if tolerated gently.
“Nerve blocks make an enormous difference, they allow light sedation, excellent pain control, and a smoother recovery.”
Dr Kirsten Jackson
Outcome
Comfortable Eating and Improved Quality of Life
Following the extraction of the diseased upper incisors, Bob recovered well. His owner reported that he was eating comfortably within days and happily back to grazing and chewing hay without hesitation.
Although a further canine extraction is still planned, removing the painful incisors significantly improved his comfort and well-being. His gums healed cleanly, with no signs of infection, and he continues to manage his feed well using his molars.
“This condition can be so painful in the later stages. The relief the horses feel when that pain is taken away is palpable with often the 'grumpy old horse' suddenly acting 10 years younger!”
Dr Kirsten Jackson
Meet the Author
Dr Kirsten Jackson is the Owner and Director of Dental Vet and is passionate about her craft, treating every patient with the time, care and consideration she would give her own.
She is dedicated to improving the comfort and wellbeing of horses and other equine patients through advanced, preventative and compassionate dental care.
Key Takeaways
EOTRH is progressive and irreversible but manageable with timely intervention.
Extraction of diseased incisors relieves chronic pain and infection.
Nerve blocks and controlled sedation improve patient safety and comfort.
Regular dental imaging is vital for detecting EOTRH before painful changes develop.
Advice for Owners
If your older horse drops feed, struggles to bite carrots, or resists using its front teeth, it may be showing signs of EOTRH. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can prevent unnecessary pain and restore comfort.
FAQs
Do I need a referral?
No referral needed. In fact, we love to see your horse before any issues arise. Preventative dental care keeps your horse’s mouth healthy, so don’t put off going to the dentist. We do also accept referrals from veterinarians for advanced procedures, and will happily work with your vet to keep care seamless.
How do I book an appointment?
You can contact us directly to arrange an appointment on our online booking form or by emailing us at reception@dentalvet.com.au. Alternatively you can call (08) 9397 1286. We also work closely with referring veterinarians, sharing records and updates so your horse receives continuous care.
What’s included in a Dental Vet dental exam?
Every Dental Vet appointment is designed to give your horse a thorough, comfortable, and evidence-based dental assessment. Our experienced veterinarians take the time to thoroughly examine your horse, supported by our nursing team to ensure each visit runs smoothly.
Your horse’s appointment includes:
- A physical examination, including listening to the abdomen for signs of sand.
- A seven-point external head assessment to check for changes linked to dental disease.
- A comprehensive oral examination using a speculum, lights, and endoscopy to assess all teeth and oral tissues.
- Treatment of periodontal disease, if necessary (additional fee may apply for extensive treatment).
- Floating and corrective work, including reduction of sharp points and overgrowths, plus a performance float for bitted horses.
- Discussion of findings, next steps, as well as a dental chart emailed to you with home-care recommendations, so you understand each step.
- Optional bit fit assessment if you have bitting concerns.
Does Dental Vet accept pet insurance?
Yes, many equine insurance policies cover advanced veterinary dental treatment when performed by a registered vet. However, it’s always advisable to contact your pet insurer and check on your policy inclusions before the appointment.
What symptoms might indicate that my horse has a dental problem?
Horses are prey animals and instinctively mask their pain and discomfort, which means dental disease often goes unnoticed until it’s advanced. The signs can be extremely subtle, even the colour of the dentin overlying a 2mm pulp on the surface of the tooth can indicate whether a tooth is healthy or abscessed. By the time symptoms are noticeable, the problem may already be severe and require more extensive (and costly) treatment.
That’s why regular professional dental checks are so important, even if your horse seems completely normal.
If your horse shows any of the signs below, please contact us for a diagnostic examination as soon as possible:
- Dropping feed or slow eating
- Bit resistance or head tossing
- Weight loss or difficulty maintaining condition
- Nasal discharge or foul breath
- Quidding (spitting out half-chewed hay)
- Chewing on one side only
- Dunking feed or rinsing mouth in water trough
- Facial swelling or sensitivity to touch
What is your sedation policy?
Our patients are given a light, controlled sedation for their dental procedure. This keeps them calm and comfortable and ensures we can do a thorough examination, diagnostics and treatment. During our detailed examinations we assess over 140 pulp cavities, as well as infundibula and all dental and soft tissue structures with precision, while protecting both horse and handler. Each horse is individually assessed before sedation, and reversing agents and emergency medications are always on hand.
Whether you've got a new foal, referring a patient for review, or are worried about your horse's wellbeing, we're here to help!