Bacterial meningitis after dental extraction in a 17-year-old horse

Dental extractions in horses may result in bacteremia, which can lead to systemic complications. Bacterial meningitis following oral cheek tooth extractions in a 17-year-old Thoroughbred gelding is described in this report. The bacterial meningitis was confirmed by histopathology. The gelding was presented for evaluation of intermittent fever, loose feces, and mild colic signs which started 5 days after cheek tooth extraction. This case illustrates a rare complication associated with oral tooth extraction in a horse and highlights the unusual presenting features of meningitis. Key clinical message: Bacterial meningitis secondary to oral cheek tooth extraction should be considered as differential diagnosis; particularly in cases with the development of pyrexia a few days after the procedure.