Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis (EOTRH) in Icelandic Horses in Germany: A Correlation Between Clinical and Radiographic Findings.

The research article examines the dental disease, Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis (EOTRH), in Icelandic horses in Germany. It puts forward a correlation between clinical and radiological findings to assist in early detection and treatment of the disease.

Research Overview

This research is primarily focused on understanding EOTRH, a prevalent dental condition among senior horses, usually affecting the incisors and canine teeth. The disease is asymptomatic during early stages but progresses to cause severe pain. The research aimed at developing methods for early diagnosis of the disease by correlating clinical and radiographic findings.

Methodology

• The study looked at clinical and radiographic examinations of the rostral oral cavity, performed on 154 Icelandic horses.
• Each horse was given an individual assessment of clinical and radiographic findings.
• The findings were then used to classify each horse into one of five stages – Stage 0 (no findings), Stage 1 (suspicious), Stage 2 (mild), Stage 3 (moderate), or Stage 4 (severe).

Results and Findings

• The analysis revealed a significant association between non-age-correlated bite angle, fistulae, gingival swelling, gingival recession and gingivitis with the radiographic EOTRH diagnoses.
• No significant association was observed between the occurrence of calculus or tooth mobility and EOTRH diagnosis.

Implications

• Understanding the correlation of these conditions with EOTRH can help in early identification of the disease.
• Diagnostic measures like radiography, when conducted at an early stage, can facilitate early detection and treatment.
• Minimizing the progression of EOTRH can reduce the discomfort and pain experienced by the horses.