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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / Aetiological relevance of haematological, biochemical and en...
Equine veterinary journal2025; doi: 10.1111/evj.14555

Aetiological relevance of haematological, biochemical and endocrine parameters on equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH).

Abstract: The dental syndrome EOTRH is a painful, progressive dental disease with an unknown aetiology. The often painful nature of EOTRH emphasises the need for a better knowledge of the underlying pathogenic mechanism and risk factors. A comparative analysis of haematological, biochemical and endocrine values in EOTRH-affected and non-affected horses has not been described. Objective: To compare haematological, biochemical, and endocrine parameters in EOTRH-affected and non-affected horses to detect risk factors for horses developing EOTRH. Methods: Cross sectional. Methods: Blood samples of 154 Icelandic horses aged 15 years and older were collected. A CBC, biochemistry panel, and endocrine profile were performed. A detailed examination of the rostral oral cavity was performed, and incisors were evaluated radiographically using a standardised scoring system. Based on the results, the study population was separated into 'EOTRH-affected' (n = 109) and 'EOTRH-nonaffected' (n = 23) horses. A staging system enabled further differentiation into mild (Stage 2), moderate (Stage 3) or severe (Stage 4) EOTRH-affected versus Stage 0 (EOTRH-nonaffected). To assess the correlations between EOTRH diagnosis and the measured parameters, logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: No consistent abnormalities were detected in the CBC. In the biochemistry panel, selenium deficiency (38%) and hypovitaminosis D (83%) were the only consistent abnormalities observed across the entire study population. Endocrine analytes showed no abnormalities in thyroid function. Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction was diagnosed in 17% of the horses. Conclusions: Irregular distribution of horses between the control group and the EOTRH-affected group. Plasma concentrations were measured only once, and no functional tests of the thyroid gland, nor an oral sugar test or TRH stimulation test were performed. Conclusions: EOTRH triggers a predominantly local inflammation in the oral cavity, without measurable changes in the inflammatory cells or significant variations in plasma vitamin and trace element serum concentrations.
© 2025 The Author(s). Equine Veterinary Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2025-07-08 PubMed ID: 40626519DOI: 10.1111/evj.14555Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The paper investigates potential factors contributing to the dental disease EOTRH (equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis) in horses, particularly focusing on examining haematological, biochemical, and endocrine parameters. But, it concluded that EOTRH primarily initiates localized inflammation in the oral cavity and doesn’t consistently alter other measurable parameters or levels of vitamins and trace elements in the blood.

Methodology

  • The researchers collected blood samples from 154 Icelandic horses aged 15 or older. They performed a complete blood count (CBC), biochemistry panel, and endocrine analysis.
  • A thorough examination of the rostral oral cavity was conducted in each horse. Incisors were evaluated using radiography and a standard scoring system.
  • Horses were segregated into two categories based on the examination results: ‘EOTRH-affected’ and ‘EOTRH-nonaffected.’
  • Within the EOTRH-affected group, a further differentiation was made based on disease severity: mild (Stage 2), moderate (Stage 3), or severe (Stage 4).
  • A statistical method called logistic regression analysis was used to study correlations between an EOTRH diagnosis and the various blood parameters measured.

Findings

  • The CBC analysis didn’t reveal any consistent abnormalities in the study participants.
  • In the biochemical tests, selenium deficiency was found in 38% of the horses, and hypovitaminosis D was seen in 83% of the horses. These were the only consistent irregularities observed across the entire study population.
  • The endocrine tests showed no deviations in thyroid function, although pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction was diagnosed in 17% of the horses.

Conclusions

  • There was an uneven distribution of horses between the control (EOTRH-nonaffected) group and the EOTRH-affected group. This might have skewed the results.
  • Furthermore, the research had certain limitations. Plasma concentrations were measured only once, functional tests of the thyroid gland weren’t conducted, and no oral sugar test or TRH stimulation test was performed.
  • The researchers conclude that EOTRH primarily triggers localized inflammation in the oral cavity. There were no measurable alterations in inflammatory cells, or significant variations in plasma vitamin or trace element serum levels.

Cite This Article

APA
Tretow M, Hain AM, Bienert-Zeit A. (2025). Aetiological relevance of haematological, biochemical and endocrine parameters on equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH). Equine Vet J. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14555

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English

Researcher Affiliations

Tretow, Melusine
  • Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany.
Hain, Anna M
  • Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany.
Bienert-Zeit, Astrid
  • Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany.

Grant Funding

  • PR 2021-01 / Stiftung Pro Pferd

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