FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 9000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / Characterisation of equine odontoclastic tooth resorption an...
Equine veterinary journal2025; doi: 10.1111/evj.14453

Characterisation of equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis: A comparative study using microCT and radiography in age-matched controls.

Abstract: Equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH) is a painful disorder primarily affecting the incisor teeth of horses over 15 years of age. Clinical signs of the disease include prehension problems, halitosis and in severe cases weight loss. The disease predominately affects the reserve crown and presents as a loss of dental tissue and excessive build-up of cementum. Objective: To determine the radiographic scores of horses with EOTRH and age-matched controls and to increase understanding of EOTRH using microCT to compare teeth from horses with EOTRH and age-matched controls. Methods: In vivo and ex vivo studies. Methods: This study used radiography (in vivo) and microcomputed tomography (microCT) (ex vivo) to help understand and help characterise the imaging changes that occur in EOTRH. For radiography, 87 patients were assessed using a radiographic scoring system for EOTRH. The microCT study was undertaken on 20 extracted cadaver incisor teeth which were scanned and segmented to measure the different dental tissues. These were assessed using a descriptive analysis (surface roughening, tooth resorption, root blunting and pulp cavity). Results: Radiographic scoring demonstrated that 03s were more severely affected than 01s in EOTRH. Total radiographic score and age had a weak positive correlation. Following microCT, we identified that EOTRH teeth had a lower pulp and enamel volume and therefore significantly higher pulp and enamel ratios relative to the whole tooth volume, compared with control teeth. Cementum and dentine volumes were more variable in EOTRH teeth. Thus, their ratios relative to the whole tooth volume were not different to control teeth. Conclusions: The number of horses was relatively small. Conclusions: Results suggest differing degrees of tooth resorption and hypercementosis, in different affected teeth potentially indicating multiple phenotypes of the disease. We provide further evidence of the presence of subclinical EOTRH imaging changes in some teeth.
© 2025 The Author(s). Equine Veterinary Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of EVJ Ltd.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2025-01-18 PubMed ID: 39825614DOI: 10.1111/evj.14453Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article

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 research article discusses a study aimed at understanding equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH), a disorder commonly affecting the incisor teeth of older horses. Through radiography and microcomputed tomography (microCT), the study provides insights into the imaging changes occurring due to EOTRH, contributing deeper knowledge about the disease.

Research Objective

  • The main aim of this study was to understand the changes in teeth affected by EOTRH using radiography (in vivo) and microCT (ex vivo). It also aimed to determine the radiographic scores relative to the disease in horses and compare these findings with age-matched controls.

Research Method

  • The researchers used in vivo radiography to examine 87 patients, assessing them according to a radiographic scoring system specific to EOTRH.
  • For the ex vivo portion of the study, a microCT analysis was performed on 20 extracted cadaver incisor teeth. The different dental tissues were scanned, segmented, and measured.
  • The teeth were further evaluated through descriptive analysis for surface roughening, tooth resorption, root blunting, and pulp cavity conditions.

Research Results

  • The radiographic scores showed that 03s (a type of tooth category) suffer more severe effects from EOTRH than 01s (another tooth category).
  • A weak positive correlation was observed between the total radiographic score and age.
  • The microCT results revealed that EOTRH affected teeth exhibited smaller pulp and enamel volumes. Consequently, they had much higher pulp and enamel ratios relative to the overall tooth volume than control teeth.
  • Cementum and dentine volumes proved to be more variable in EOTRH-affected teeth, making their related ratios to the overall tooth volume comparable to those of control teeth.

Conclusions

  • Although the number of horses examined was relatively small, the results imply differing degrees of tooth resorption and hypercementosis in various EOTRH-affected teeth, potentially indicating multiple phenotypes of the disease.
  • The study also suggested the presence of subclinical EOTRH imaging changes in some teeth. This finding provides further evidence towards understanding this equine dental disorder and paves the way for more extensive future research.

Cite This Article

APA
Nugent Z, Jensen A, Owen N, Peffers AJ, Moothanchery M, Peffers MJ. (2025). Characterisation of equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis: A comparative study using microCT and radiography in age-matched controls. Equine Vet J. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14453

Publication

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

Researcher Affiliations

Nugent, Zoe
  • University of Liverpool, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Liverpool, UK.
Jensen, Anders
  • University of Liverpool, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Liverpool, UK.
Owen, Niamh
  • University of Liverpool, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Liverpool, UK.
Peffers, Andrew J
  • North West Equine Dental Practice, Ffrith, UK.
Moothanchery, Mohesh
  • Centre for Pre-Clinical Imaging, Liverpool, UK.
Peffers, Mandy J
  • University of Liverpool, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Liverpool, UK.

Grant Funding

  • University of Liverpool
  • Dunhill Medical Trust

References

This article includes 28 references
  1. Staszyk C, Bienert A, Kreutzer R, Wohlsein P, Simhofer H. Equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis. Vet J 2008;178(3):372–379.
  2. Baratt RM. Equine incisor resorptive lesions. Proceedings of the 21st annual veterinary dental forum Minneapolis, MN: VDF; 2007. p. 23–30.
  3. Caldwell LA. Clinical features of chronic disease of the anterior dentition in horses. Proceedings of the 21st annual veterinary dental forum Minneapolis, MN: VDF; 2007. p. 18–21.
  4. Kreutzer R, Wohlsein P, Staszyk C, Nowak M, Sill V, Baumgartner W. Dental benign cementomas in three horses. Vet Pathol 2007;44:533–536.
  5. Earley E, Rawlinson JT. A new understanding of oral and dental disorders of the equine incisor and canine teeth. Vet Clin N Am: Equine Pract 2013;29(2):273–300.
  6. Rehrl S, Schröder W, Müller C, Staszyk C, Lischer C. Radiological prevalence of equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis. Equine Vet J 2018;50(4):481–487.
  7. Moore NT, Schroeder W, Staszyk C. Equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis affecting all cheek teeth in two horses: clinical and histopathological findings. Equine Vet Educ 2016;28(3):123–130.
  8. Bearth ND, Theiss F, Richter H, Gimmi J, Torgerson PR, Ohlerth S. Computed tomographic findings in incisors and canine teeth with equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis: a retrospective study in 115 warmblood horses. Pferdeheilkunde 2023;39(4):312–324.
  9. Smedley RC, Earley ET, Galloway SS, Baratt RM, Rawlinson JE. Equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis: histopathologic features. Vet Pathol 2015;52(5):903–909.
  10. Lorello O, Foster DL, Levine DG, Boyle A, Engiles J, Orsini JA. Clinical treatment and prognosis of equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis. Equine Vet J 2016;48(2):188–194.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.12406google scholar: lookup
  11. Rahmani V, Häyrinen L, Kareinen I, Ruohoniemi M. History, clinical findings and outcome of horses with radiographical signs of equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis. Vet Rec 2019;185(23):730.
  12. Rainbow W. Behavioural and physical changes in equine patients after complete extraction of all incisors due to equine odontoclastic tooth resorption with hypercementosis. Equine Vet Educ 2024;36(5):240–244.
  13. Goer R. How horses digest feed. Lexington, KY: AAEP; 2002 Available from: https://aaep.org/issue/howhorses-digest-feed.
  14. James O. Equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis. J Vet Dent 2022;39(4):346–357.
    doi: 10.1177/08987564221120715google scholar: lookup
  15. Schrock P, Lüpke M, Seifert H, Staszyk C. Finite element analysis of equine incisor teeth. Part 2: investigation of stresses and strain energy densities in the periodontal ligament and surrounding bone during tooth movement. Vet J 2013;198(3):590–598.
  16. Sykora S, Pieber K, Simhofer H, Hackl V, Brodesser D, Brandt S. Isolation of treponema and Tannerella spp. from equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis related periodontal disease. Equine Vet J 2014;46(3):358–363.
  17. Albers L, Albers J, Dullin C, Staszyk C, Bienert‐Zeit A. Early incisor lesions and equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis: reliability of radiographic findings. Equine Vet J 2023;55(2):261–269.
  18. Górski K, Borowska M, Turek B, Pawlikowski M, Jankowski K, Bereznowski A. An application of the density standard and scaled‐pixel‐counting protocol to assess the radiodensity of equine incisor teeth affected by resorption and hypercementosis: preliminary advancement in dental radiography. BMC Vet Res 2023;19(1):116.
  19. Rehrl S, Schulte W, Staszyk C, Lischer C. Equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis: investigating individual incisor disease patterns using radiological classification. Equine Vet J 2023;55(3):419–425.
  20. Bishop IT. Diagnostic value of full‐mouth radiography in horses. Front Vet Sci 2022;9:971886.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2022.971886google scholar: lookup
  21. Hüls I, Bienert A, Staszyk C. Equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH): Röntgenologische und makroskopisch‐anatomische Befunde. Proceedings 10. Jahrestagung der Internationalen Gesellschaft zur Funktionsverbesserung der Pferdezähne, IGFP e.V; 2012.
  22. Igel P, Fürst AE, Jackson MA. The prevalence of equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis and the role of interincisal angulation in disease severity in a representative cohort of horses in Switzerland. Schweizer Archiv Fur Tierheilkunde 2023;165(9):564–572.
  23. Tretow M, Hain AM, Bienert‐Zeit A. Widespread prevalence of equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis detected in German Icelandic horse population: impact of anamnestic factors on etiology. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2023;261(S2):S102–S107.
  24. Dixon PM, du Toit N. Chapter 5 – Dental anatomy. Equine dentistry In: Easley J, editor. Volume 2011. 3rd ed. Edinburgh: W.B. Saunders; 2011. p. 51–76.
  25. Schrock P, Lüpke M, Seifert H, Staszyk C. Three‐dimensional anatomy of equine incisors: tooth length, enamel cover and age related changes. BMC Vet Res 2013;9:249.
  26. Henry TJ, Puchalski SM, Arzi B, Kass PH, Verstraete FJM. Radiographic evaluation in clinical practice of the types and stage of incisor tooth resorption and hypercementosis in horses. Equine Vet J 2017;49(4):486–492.
  27. Masey O'Neill HV, Keen J, Dumbell L. A comparison of the occurrence of common dental abnormalities in stabled and free‐grazing horses. Animal 2010;4(10):1697–1701.
  28. Muylle S. Ageing in equine dentistry. Edinburgh: W.B. Saunders; 2011. p. 85–94.

Citations

This article has been cited 0 times.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,359 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.