Comparison of Computed Tomography Assisted 3D Cephalometric Measurements in Straight Egyptian Arabian and Thoroughbred Horses.

The research study is about comparing the normal sizes and relationships of structures within the skulls of Straight Egyptian Arabian and Thoroughbred horses using computed tomography (CT) scans, with the aim to identify any marked differences that could affect the incidence of dental malocclusions in these breeds.

Objective and Approach

• The primary objective of this study was to establish and report the normal values from skull computed tomography (CT) scans in adult Straight Egyptian Arabian (SEAR) and Thoroughbred (TB) horses.
• The secondary objective was to identify and compare any noteworthy differences in these cephalometric measurements (the process of measuring the dimensions of the jaw and skull) between the two horse breeds.
• This was achieved by performing CT scans on the skulls of 29 clinically normal adult horses (15 SEAR and 14 TB), which were probably under sedation or anesthesia during the process. The measurements were then recorded for analysis.

Findings

• All of the nine cephalometric measurements considered in the study, as well as the angle between the positions of the front incisor teeth (interincisal angle), were found to be significantly larger in Thoroughbred horses compared to Straight Egyptian Arabians.
• The facial line to mandibular length ratio, which measures the comparative size and proportion of the face to the mandible or lower jaw bone, was found to be greater in Thoroughbreds.
• However, where the length of the maxillary cheek teeth was compared to the ethmoidal line ratio, a line in the skull that sits at the base of the ethmoid bone (located at the roof of the nose), the Straight Egyptian Arabians showed significantly greater values.

Implications and Future Research

• The significant difference in cephalometric measurements between SEAR and TB horses might be influencing the increased occurrence of dental malocclusions (misalignment between the teeth of the two dental arches when they approach each other as the jaws close) in SEAR horses.
• The study suggests that further research will be necessary to conclusively determine if these differences between the two horse breeds do indeed make SEAR horses more prone to dental malocclusions.