Endoscopic removal of a molariform supernumerary intranasal tooth (heterotopic polyodontia) in a horse.

This research article discusses the case of a 3-year-old Thoroughbred mare who showed signs of respiratory distress, which was later found to be caused by a supernumerary tooth growing in the nasal cavity. After a careful diagnostic process including physical examination, endoscopic examination, and computed tomography, the abnormal tooth was successfully removed endoscopically, eliminating the respiratory issues in the horse.

Background and Examination

• The focus of the paper is a 3-year-old thoroughbred mare which was brought in for examination due to abnormal upper respiratory tract sounds that had become apparent during race training.
• The initial physical evaluation didn’t reveal any abnormal findings. However, during trotting, an abnormal upper airway breathing sound was audible.
• An endoscopic evaluation revealed a small mass protruding into the right ventral nasal meatus. Even though radiographic images of the skull failed to show abnormalities, computed tomography revealed an anomaly in the same location as the observed mass.
• The mass’s x-ray attenuation was identical to that of dental tissue, which early on suggested a possible diagnosis.

Diagnosis and Treatment

• The mass was surgically removed under endoscopic guidance, upon which the mass was found to resemble a nearly normal molariform tooth.
• A histologic examination revealed a well formed tooth without any associated cellular populations.
• After thorough examination, the mass was determined to be a molariform supernumerary intranasal tooth – a condition also known as heterotopic polyodontia, which is quite unusual and rare.

Follow-up and Conclusion

• Six months after the horse was discharged from the hospital, the trainer reported that the abnormal respiratory tract sound was no longer audible.
• In a follow-up endoscopic examination at the training facility, no abnormalities were detected.
• The researchers concluded that an intranasal tooth should be considered as a differential diagnosis for upper respiratory tract sounds in horses.
• The study also highlighted the use of computed tomographic findings in determining a diagnosis and formulating a treatment plan, showcasing its crucial role in veterinary medicine.