Vet Tips 2025: Why Infection Is a Risk After Tooth Extraction in Horses 🐴🦷🦠

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

As horses age, dental problems become more frequent—and sometimes, painful teeth need to be removed. While most tooth extractions go smoothly, a growing body of research shows that infection is a possible and serious complication. Here's what every horse owner should know about minimizing the risk. 🩺🐎

Why Tooth Extraction May Be Necessary 🦷🔧

Senior horses often experience:

• 🔍 Cupped or worn-down teeth
• 🦷 Fractures of cheek or incisor teeth
• 💢 Periodontal disease from food trapped between teeth

These conditions make teeth loose and painful, interfering with chewing and leading to weight loss or infection. In many cases, tooth extraction is the only solution for restoring comfort. 📉

How Is a Horse’s Tooth Extracted? 🪥💉

• 💤 Most extractions are done under standing sedation with local nerve blocks
• ⚙️ Complex cases may require general anesthesia
• 🛠️ Tools are used to gradually loosen and remove the tooth

While modern equine dentistry makes these procedures safe, bacteria in the mouth pose a risk during and after surgery. 🦠

What the Research Says 🔬📊

Veterinarians in Germany studied 20 horses undergoing dental extraction. They found:

• 🩸 Bacteria entered the bloodstream as early as 1 minute after gum incision
• 🧫 90% of horses had bacterial contamination in the blood during or after the procedure
• 💀 All extracted teeth were found to harbor infection

This suggests that even a routine extraction can result in systemic infection—potentially affecting the lungs or heart valves (endocarditis). 😨

Post-Extraction Infections to Watch For 🧠🧬

• 💓 Endocarditis (inflammation of the heart lining)
• 🫁 Pneumonia (especially in compromised or older horses)
• 🧠 Fever, depression, or loss of appetite post-surgery

If your horse is dull, breathing heavily, or not eating after extraction, call your veterinarian immediately. ⏱️

Should Antibiotics Be Used After Extraction? 💊❓

Unlike in small animal medicine—where routine dental antibiotics are debated—this study supports prophylactic antibiotics in equine extractions. Here's why:

• 🧪 Horses’ mouths contain high bacterial loads
• 💉 Gum incisions can open a gateway to the bloodstream
• 🛡️ Older horses may have weakened immune responses

Antibiotics can help reduce the risk of systemic spread of oral bacteria in vulnerable horses. 🦠

Post-Extraction Care: What You Should Do 📋🛠️

1. Monitor Closely for 7–10 Days 🔍

• 📈 Check temperature and appetite daily
• 💧 Ensure clean drinking water and soaked feed
• 🩹 Watch extraction site for swelling, discharge, or foul odor

2. Follow Medication Instructions 💊

• ⏳ Finish full course of antibiotics (if prescribed)
• 🩺 Give anti-inflammatories as directed

3. Adjust the Diet Temporarily 🍲

• 🍜 Use soft soaked feed or complete pelleted diets
• 🚫 Avoid hay or grain that requires heavy chewing

Your vet will give you the green light to return to normal feeding as the site heals. 🥣

Preventative Dentistry: The Best Defense 🧠🪥

• 📆 Have your horse’s teeth checked every 6 months
• 🧪 Address small problems before they become extractions
• 🦷 Consider full dental x-rays in older horses

With early detection, many dental infections can be treated before extraction is necessary. 🧰

Need Help With Post-Dental Recovery? Ask A Vet 📱🐴

Worried about infection after a dental procedure? Not sure if your horse needs antibiotics? Talk to an equine vet now through Ask A Vet.

Download the Ask A Vet app for 24/7 support on dental recovery, antibiotics, and pain management. 🐎💬

Final Thoughts: Treat the Tooth, Protect the Whole Horse 💛🦷

Tooth extractions may seem like a local issue—but they can open the door to systemic problems if infections are allowed to spread. With the right care and monitoring, most horses recover beautifully. 🧠✅

Need expert help post-procedure? Visit Ask A Vet for real-time dental support and peace of mind. 🐴🩺