Recovery from molar extraction - any experiences

[WestCoast]

My six year old mare had her second premolar at the top removed a week ago. Luckily we caught the root infection quickly as I noticed some swelling and got the vet straight out and after an x-ray showed a potential infection, she had a CT scan which located the problem. It was done by a specialist under standing sedation and came out cleanly. Bless her she behaved and ate normally all the way through.

I have been told by the specialist she needs two weeks off, then the packing removed before she can be worked. But having had a molar out myself that doesn't seem long enough for it to heal.

Anyone got any experience of this?

 

[Tinsel Trouble]

I would play it by ear. Oscar had a lower molar removed that doesn't normally grow... (having a slight mental block...) when he was about 6. he had 6 weeks off, but he was quite a sickly young chap and he needed the area to fully heal so he wouldn't exacerbate other problems with stress. 2 weeks might be enough for the average horse, there's a good blood flow to the area, and horses do heal quickly! Xx

 

[WestCoast]

Thanks - playing it by ear is definitely what I am planning to do. She has thankfully been well and coped with it all like a star - but I'm over anxious mum. Was worrying because she was shaking her head today until I realised that there were lots of tiny flies around and she was fine with a bit of repellant on her ears. She's been coming on fabulously the last few months and the last thing I want is to ride her with a sore mouth.

 

[Louby]

My horse had his 3rd upper molar removed. It fractured under sedation so he had to have it knocked out from the outside in via a bone flap under GA. He had loads of staples, a trphine hole that was flushed daily and he only needed 3 weeks off work. He ate fine afterwards and although did have ongoing infection problems, he did eventually make a full recovery.
Good luck with you horse, Im sure everything will be fine

 

[WestCoast]

Thanks. Wow that sounds like it was really nasty - poor fella . Glad to hear he made a full recovery though.

 

[Umbongo]

I would also play it by ear. 1st premolar extraction....fair enough, but 2nd should be fine. Depends on the horse and their pain thresholds, but if she is eating well I wouldn't be too concerned. If the packing has been there a week already I would expect some level of clotting of the sockets by now anyway. I would be tempted to hop on but only light work. See how she goes.

Not sure if your EDT also suggested but after an extraction of an incisor/premolar/molar your EDT will need to check them at least every 6 months instead of yearly. Hope she recovers well

 

[WestCoast]

She's due for my vet to see her in another week and she won't be doing anything before that as the consultant at the hospital was quite clear that she must do nothing for a fortnight. Then she will need regular checks - but she's been getting them 6 monthly anyhow because if her age.

 

[Goldenstar]

J had one removed .
It had a malformed root and he had a bony growth the size of a grapefruit on the site .
One thing I would advise is that a good physio sees him after about four days or so J's nearly hit the ceiling when she started to work on his jaw muscles two treatments and he was happy , it was well worth it .
J had three months rest after but he had been suffering repeated infections and running a high temperature at times in the run to the removal and had lost muscle and condition and looked a bit worn out .
In that time the Boney growth was 80% reabsorbed and within a year it was impossible to see it had been there .
We have found we need to tidy up the tooth above every three months not every six.

 

[WestCoast]

Wow - these poor horses. They do go through a lot sometimes. The Physio is a good idea, although I might let it heal a bit first. Will certainly need to keep a close eye on the opposing tooth.