Extraction of fractured cheek teeth under oral endoscopic guidance in standing horses

To evaluate a technique for oral extraction of fractured cheek teeth (CT) under oral endoscopic guidance.

Case series.

Horses (n = 30) with fractured CT.

Medical records (April 2007-August 2010) of horses that had standing oral extraction of fractured CT under endoscopic guidance were reviewed.

Thirty horses (median age, 11.5 years; range, 5-23 years) had 31 fractured CT (21 maxillary, 10 mandibular) removed. Midline sagittal fractures of maxillary teeth (n = 13; 42%) were the most common type, followed by buccal or palatal (10; 32%), and transverse or multiple (5; 16%) fractures. Extraction under endoscopic guidance was successful for 27 (87%) teeth. Median age of the surgical failure group was 7 years (range, 5-8 years), significantly lower than that of the surgical success group (P = .0135, Mann-Whitney U-test).

Endoscopic viewing facilitates instrument use and removal of fractured CT in standing horses.