Intraoral Formation of a Rigid Obturator for the Treatment of Dental Fistulae and Draining Tracts in the Horse.

The study discusses the use of a mechanically retentive, rigid obturator (RO) in treating persistent pathologic oral communications (PPOCs) in horses. The study found that the method was largely successful, leading to resolution of clinical symptoms in over 95% of the cases and healing of the PPOC in over 68% of the cases.

Understanding the Research

• The purpose of the study was to examine the novel use of a rigid obturator (RO) as a treatment for persistent pathologic oral communications (PPOCs) in horses. In simpler terms, the researchers tested a plug-like device, RO, to treat continuous unhealthy openings in the horse’s mouth.
• These abnormal openings in the horse’s mouth can lead to various problems including non-healing sores, infections, and difficulties eating. The use of a rigid obturator, which is essentially a custom-made insert that fits into the abnormal openings, could help manage these issues.

Methods of the Research

• The study was a retrospective cohort study using medical records, which means the researchers looked back at existing records to analyze trends or correlations. In this case, they examined records of 22 horses that had been treated for PPOCs with a rigid obturator.
• The RO was created using a flowable, bis-acryl-based composite resin, a type of plastic that hardens when exposed to light, which ensured its durability and adaptability to the unique shape of each horse’s abnormal oral opening.
• Medical records from these cases, including detailed case information, obtained imagery of the PPOC, surgical reports, and follow-up information, were thoroughly analyzed to tally the results and ascertain the effectiveness of the treatment.

Results of the Research

• Out of the 22 horses, clinical signs completely resolved in 21 horses (95.5%) and the abnormal oral openings(PPOC) were healed in 15 horses (68.2%).
• However, complications were observed in 7 out of 22 (31.8%) cases. These included issues such as complete loss of the RO, fractures or defects of the RO, displaced or shifted RO, and loose seals of the PPOC. The researchers reported that these complications were managed by either repairing or replacing the RO.
• The researchers thus concluded that the use of a rigid obturator made from a bis-acryl-based composite resin is a successful and non-invasive method for treating PPOCs in horses. It’s easily repeatable, considering complications could be dealt with by minor repairs or replacements.