440 Nicholson Rd, Forrestdale WA 6112
(08) 9397 1286
reception@dentalvet.com.au
Loki
Patient Information
Treating Loki the Connemara Pony's Tooth Root Abscess
Patient History
Routine Dental Checkup Unmasks Hidden Infection
Loki underwent his first routine dental checkup with his new owner. He was quiet and calm for the appointment, which was assumed to be his typical temperament. No obvious symptoms such as difficulty eating or behavioural issues were reported.
Presenting Problem
Subtle Swelling Reveals a Deeper Issue
During the external examination, Dr Kirsten noted facial swelling on the near side of the maxilla.
Sedation was administered, and an internal oral examination revealed abnormal pulp coverings on the second upper cheek tooth (tooth 207). Radiographs, unfortunately, confirmed that Loki had a severe tooth root abscess.
“What seemed like a routine check quickly turned into a complex case of hidden infection”
Dr Kirsten Jackson
Diagnostics & Treatment
Complex Extraction and Precision Pain Management
Due to the abnormal anatomy of the tooth, root canal therapy was deemed unsuitable. Loki was sedated in stocks under constant rate infusion for continuous pain relief and calmness. A regional nerve block and local anaesthetic were administered before releasing the gum attachments. The tooth was carefully loosened using a series of instruments and ‘turners’ to angle the tooth toward the tongue for extraction and to prevent contact with the opposing teeth. Once removed, the infected pulp cavity (the inner chamber of the tooth) revealed thick pus and a draining tract leading into the mouth.
The socket was flushed, cleaned, and sealed with a temporary polyvinyl siloxane plug to assist with the healing process. Loki then received oral fluids, electrolytes, and post-operative pain relief. The owner was instructed to flush Loki’s mouth daily and schedule a recheck with the vet after two weeks.
“Once extracted, the extent of infection became clear, a hidden abscess was causing more discomfort than anyone had anticipated.”
Dr Kirsten Jackson
Yellow lines highlight the draining tract where pus and infection were travelling from the infected tooth root and dripping back into his mouth
Outcome
A Brighter, Happier Horse
At the follow-up appointments, a few days later and again at two weeks, the socket was healing perfectly.
More importantly, his demeanour had transformed from quiet and subdued to alert and energetic. His owner commented about Loki being a completely different horse. Ongoing monitoring ensured balanced tooth wear and long-term oral comfort.
“I recommend Dental Vet to everyone who asks. They consistently go above and beyond ordinary dental care.”
Andrea, Loki’s owner
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
Routine dental checkups are essential for maintaining equine oral health.
Thorough dental exams play a crucial role in uncovering hidden, serious infections.
Subtle signs like facial swelling may indicate dental disease.
Advanced imaging is vital for accurate diagnosis.
Advice for Owners
Changes in a horse’s temperament, such as becoming unusually quiet or ‘grumpy’, can be indicative of discomfort.
Regular dental checks are essential, to detect and treat problems early.
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!