A Computed Tomographic and Pathological Study of Equine Cheek Teeth Infundibulae Extracted From Asymptomatic Horses. Part 2: MicroCT, Gross, and Histological Findings.
Abstract: Equine maxillary cheek teeth infundibulae are frequently affected by developmental and acquired disorders, but the imaging, gross, and histological features of normal and abnormal infundibulae remain incompletely understood. To perform MicroCT, gross examination, and histology on sectioned teeth and compare the imaging and anatomical findings. original study. Eight maxillary cheek teeth of different ages and with varying grades of unilateral ( = 5) or bilateral ( = 3) occlusal infundibular caries were extracted from equine heads obtained from an abattoir. The teeth were imaged by MicroCT, then transversely sectioned and grossly and histologically examined, with the imaging and gross and histological anatomical findings examined and compared. Fifteen infundibulae, including two without occlusal caries had subocclusal cemental hypoplasia or caries. One infundibulum without occlusal caries had no subocclusal cemental defects. Histologically, hypoplastic cemental areas consisted of irregularly-shaped, wide central channels, with multiple, large, cylindrical side-branches that extended peripherally to a variable extent. Cementum with extensive, wide, empty channels, and cementum with a more irregular moth-eaten appearance had dark or eroded gross appearance and a low HU on CT. Some infundibulae had cement-free areas that only contained fragments of collagen-like material, especially at their apical aspects (apical cemental hypoplasia). Carious subocclusal areas had connections with the occlusal surface and had disrupted cemental architecture, including of their central vascular channel that, along with their side branches, contained degraded food, and cemental debris. No clinical histories or accurate ages were available for these eight teeth. Hypoplastic cemental lesions, including at central linear and apical sites, histologically contain areas with multiple wide-branched, cylindrical channels or even areas of total cement hypoplasia visible on gross sections When such cemental defects contact the occlusal surface due to normal wear, food impaction, and caries can ensue.
Publication Date: 2019-04-26 PubMed ID: 31106214PubMed Central: PMC6498889DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00125Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research assessed how the infundibula (natural cavities) in horses’ maxillary cheek teeth can be affected by developmental and acquired disorders, using several assessment methods including MicroCT imaging and histological examination. The study found that issues in the cemental (bone-like) structures in these cavities can lead to an array of dental problems and diseases in horses.
Research Methodology
- The study employed computerized tomography (MicroCT), gross examination (a thorough investigation of organs and tissues), and histological examination (study of tissues under a microscope) of horse teeth.
- To conduct the study, eight maxillary cheek teeth of varying ages and grades of disorder were obtained from equine heads sourced from an abattoir. Some of these teeth suffered from unilateral or bilateral occlusal infundibular caries – a dental condition characterized by decay in the natural cavities of the teeth.
- The teeth were then imaged using MicroCT, sectioned for detailed examination, and put under gross and histological examination.
Findings of the Study
- The researchers identified several infundibula with cemental hypoplasia or caries – condition of underdeveloped or decayed cementum.
- Histologically, these hypoplastic areas displayed irregularly shaped central channels with large, cylindrical side branches, indicative of a complex and abnormal structure.
- A gross appearance and a low Hounsfield unit (HU) value on CT were observed in conditions with extensive, wide, empty channels in the cementum and with an irregular moth-eaten appearance.
- In some cases, they found cement-free areas containing only collagen-like material fragments, indicating cemental hypoplasia, especially towards their apical aspects (top of the tooth).
- In cases of carious subocclusal areas (areas under the biting surface), connections with the occlusal surface were found along with disrupted cemental architecture filled with food debris and cemental fragments.
Conclusion
- The study concluded that cemental defects present as multiple wide-branched, cylindrical channels or even total cement hypoplasia.
- Such defects become clinically significant as they encounter the occlusal surface due to normal wear, leading to food impaction and teeth decay.
- This research advances the understanding of equine dental health by providing valuable insights into infundibular disorders and their potential consequences.
Cite This Article
APA
Horbal A, Smith S, Dixon PM.
(2019).
A Computed Tomographic and Pathological Study of Equine Cheek Teeth Infundibulae Extracted From Asymptomatic Horses. Part 2: MicroCT, Gross, and Histological Findings.
Front Vet Sci, 6, 125.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2019.00125 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom.
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom.
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom.
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Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Erasha AM, Nazih M, Ali S, Alsafy M, El-Gendy S, Sayed RKA. Morphological and radiological mapping of dental cusps in relation to spatial constraints on tooth shape of one humped camel (Camelus dromedarius). Zoological Lett 2023 Jun 19;9(1):14.
- Morin MC, D'Astous J. A micro-CT study of the pulp cavity morphology of maxillary fourth premolar teeth in dogs. Front Vet Sci 2024;11:1499465.
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